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The Cadillac XLR finds its niche in retirement

Christened the XLR, it was based on the outgoing C5 ‘Vette’s platform, but with a 4.6-liter, 320-hp Northstar V8 in its nose. Photo by Josh Scott

September 3, 2014
By Brett Berk
Autoweek Magazine

Modern Misfits – Driven To Success

The last year of the 20th century was not a triumphant one for Cadillac. Its traditional rear-wheel-drive Fleetwood land yacht had finally been put out to sea. Its front-drive Seville and Eldorado, despite their relatively sophisticated Northstar V8s, were as aging and lacking in noticeable updates as their customers. Its import-fighting Catera—purloined from Opel, making it an import itself—had seen sales plummet as consumers zagged away from this “Caddy that Zigs.” And the brand’s one boost came from the hasty badge engineering of GMC’s lumbering Yukon, creating the enormous and embellished Escalade, a rolling symbol of the very past Cadillac was working to escape.

Slicing through this miasma and confusion was the Evoq, a radical, rapier-edged concept car unveiled at the 1999 Detroit auto show. The Evoq was unlike any Cadillac before it: a sporting, rear-wheel-drive, V8-powered, retractable hardtop-equipped, luxury grand tourer. “It was patently controversial,” says David Caldwell, a Cadillac spokesman who was then part of Evoq’s product
development team.

It marked a fork-in-the-road-moment for the brand. The first-generation CTS sedan—the car that would eventually transform consumer perception of Cadillac—was taking shape under Cadillac’s new “Art and Science” design language, but no one had yet seen that car. “Instead, they showed this thing that looked like the Batmobile, but better,” Caldwell says. “Evoq was a show pony to demonstrate how Cadillac could be revived in a modern way. And they decided it needed to be built.”

It was, eventually, at the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Ky. Christened the XLR, it was based on the outgoing C5 ‘Vette’s platform, but with a 4.6-liter, 320-hp Northstar V8 in its nose. It came equipped with every imaginable luxury feature, including wood trim, heated and cooled seats, and a touchscreen LCD infotainment display. It was also a rolling incubator for technologies that would eventually become Cadillac signatures. “It was the first car that came standard with Magnetic Ride Control,” Caldwell says. “The white-coat engineers in the Delphi lab had been working on that for 25 years, but this was the first time it was standard.”

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Second Generation Cadillac XLR Rendered, Not Gonna Happen Too Soon

Cadillac’s chief engineer, Dave Leone recently hinted that along with the upcoming 2015 Cadillac ATS-V, 2016 Cadillac CTS-V and an all-new flagship Cadillac called the “LTS” by the automotive media, a new convertible Cadillac is a possibility.

He wasn’t clear if the new convertible would be based off of the ATS or CTS, but whatever it platform it would based off of, we probably wouldn’t see it until 2016.

Photoshop wizard Remco Meulendijk took the time to render what this new convertible could look like based upon the Cadillac XLR and built on the current C7 Corvette Stingray chassis.

So what do you think?

GM Invests $174 Million in New Lansing Stamping Facility

2014-08-13

GM Media Press Release

LANSING, Mich. – General Motors will start construction of a $174-million stamping facility that will create or retain about 145 jobs, the company said today.

The new facility, part of the company’s Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, will produce stamping components for the Cadillac ATS and Cadillac CTS family of vehicles and a future product.

“Lansing Grand River Assembly is known for the high quality of its work and the flexible manufacturing that has been a trademark since it opened,” said GM North America Manufacturing Manager Christine Sitek. “Today’s announcement demonstrates GM’s commitment to strengthening key plant capabilities related to quality and efficiency.”

The new facility, which comes on line in 2016, will save about $14 million a year in logistics costs tied to material handling.

Built in 2001, Lansing Grand River is GM’s second-newest U.S. assembly plant and the manufacturing home of the Cadillac ATS, CTS and the CTS V-series performance versions. Earlier this year, Motor Trend magazine recognized the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan with its Car of the Year award.

“This major investment is a vote of confidence in the hard-working membership of UAW Local 652,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who directs the union’s General Motors Department. “We’re proud of the role we played in helping rebuild Michigan’s economy through collective bargaining and negotiations for investment and jobs in our UAW-represented plants.”

“I think I can speak for all of the UAW members at General Motors’ Lansing Grand River plant when I say we are thrilled to have this additional investment in the plant and the jobs it will create in the community,” said UAW Region 1D Director Gerald Kariem.

Including today’s announcement, GM has announced Lansing facility investments of more than $530 million since 2009.

2010

$190 million for the addition of the Cadillac ATS and 600 jobs
$37 million at Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant for tooling and equipment to enhance the plant’s manufacturing capabilities

2011

$88 million for the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan

2012

Announced Lansing Grand River would produce the next-generation Camaro

2013

$44.5 million and 200 jobs for a new logistics optimization center at LGR

Since 2009, GM has announced nearly $11 billion of investment in U.S. facilities, including $777 million so far this year.

“Once again, our hometown car company is hitting it out of the park with a massive new investment at Lansing Grand River,” said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero. “I’m deeply grateful to General Motors for making the Lansing region a centerpiece of its global manufacturing strategy. Its confidence in our world-class UAW workforce and strong partnership with local government will continue to deliver jobs and prosperity in Lansing for decades to come.”

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world’s largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com

Owners of rare Cadillacs stop in Billings

KBZK Bozeman News
by David Jay – MTN News

BILLINGS, MT – A former chief designer for the General Motors calls the Cadillac XLR the best car the company has ever manufactured.

Some of those classic vehicles went on display at the Yellowstone Cellars and Winery, Wednesday night in Billings.

The Montana XLR Rocket Run made a stop in Billings, with owners showing five XLR’s and two CTS’s.

David North of Billings, helped design the Pontiac GTO, Cadillac El Dorado, the Oldsmobile Tornoado, the Buick Rivera and the Cadillac Seville.

He says the Cadillac XLR surpasses those and other GM cars.

GM built more than 16,652 XLR’s from 2004 to 2009.

Some called the XLR a Corvette in tuxedo or a Corvette on steroids, since G-M built it on a Corvette frame.

“If you’re a died in the world Corvette guy, you’re going to say, hey that’s not a Corvette,” North said. “That’s a dolled up Corvette. But if you’re looking for Corvette performance, but in a package that’s more glamorous, that’s it. When we somebody loves what we did, that puts a smile on our face.”

Full Story: Owners of rare Cadillacs stop in Billings | KBZK.com | Z7 | Bozeman, Montana

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Cadillac ATS Coupe 2.0T Gets More Torque Output, Equipment

New Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist safety systems available

2014-07-25
GM Media Press Release

DETROIT – Greater torque output in the 2015 ATS Coupe and ATS Sedan equipped with the 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, and available safety-enhancing lane-changing and lane-keeping technologies, highlight the new model year for the luxury sport models.

The additional torque – 295 lb-ft of torque (400 Nm) and 272 horsepower (203 kW) – was achieved through engine calibration that results in increased boost pressure for improved performance over the class-competitive torque level available at the launch of the ATS Sedan.

“The ATS is already the most agile vehicle in its respective classes,” said David Masch, Cadillac ATS chief engineer. “The additional torque works to further improve on an already dynamic vehicle.”

At 136hp/L, the 2.0L Turbo is one of the most power-dense engines in the industry. It also delivers 90 percent of its peak torque from 2100 rpm to 3000 rpm and the full 295 lb-ft of peak torque (400 Nm) from 3000 to 4600 rpm. The broad torque band is supported by high boost levels in the speed range, which is designed to give the lightweight ATS Coupe a feeling of immediate power on demand.

The 2015 ATS also offer Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist.

Lane Change Alert works in tandem with the available Side Blind Zone alert to warn drivers of rapidly approaching vehicles, looking approximately 82 feet (25 meters) from the side mirror. Drivers are warned that it may not be safe to change lanes with a flashing symbol in the side mirror, depending on which turn signal has been activated.

The Lane Keep Assist system operates above 37 mph, using a forward-facing camera that detects if the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally. When detected, the system engages the electric power steering to give a momentary nudge and prevent crossing the lane markings, aligning the vehicle in the lane.

Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist are available on both the 2015 ATS Coupe and Sedan Performance and Premium Collection equipped with the Driver Assist Package; Lane Change Alert is also available on Luxury, Performance and Premium Collection ATS vehicles with the Driver Awareness Package.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at Luxury Cars, SUVs, Sedans, Coupes, and Crossovers | Cadillac. Cadillac’s media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

Cadillac ATS, CTS, SRX and ELR Recalled for Varying Safety Issues

GM Media Press Release
July 23, 2014

DETROIT – General Motors today announced six safety recalls covering 717,949 recent model vehicles in the U.S.

“These recalls signify how we’ve enhanced our approach to safety,” said Jeff Boyer, vice president, Global Vehicle Safety. “We are bringing greater rigor and discipline to our analysis and decision making. If we identify an issue – large or small – that might affect the safety of our customers, we will act decisively.”

The recalls cover:

414,333 2011-2012 model year Chevrolet Camaro; 2010-2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain; 2011-2012 Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX models in the U.S. equipped with power height adjustable driver or front passenger seat structures. In these vehicles, the bolt that secures the height adjuster actuator may become loose or fall out. If the bolt falls out, the seat will move up and down freely because it is no longer attached at the height adjuster. The vehicles are safe to drive, but customers should not use the power height adjustable feature until dealers can replace the height adjuster bolt. GM is aware of one crash and three injuries but no fatalities related to this condition.

124,007 model year 2014 Chevrolet Caprice, 2014 Chevrolet SS, 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado LD and HD, 2013-2014 Cadillac ATS, 2014 Cadillac CTS, 2014 Cadillac ELR; 2013-2014 Buick Encore; and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra LD and HD vehicles because certain vehicles may have an incomplete weld on the seat hook bracket assembly. A loss of power to a laser welding machine may have resulted in an incomplete weld, according to data collected from the machine between July 2013 and January 2014. Dealers will inspect the weld. If it is sufficient, no further action is necessary. If it is insufficient, dealers will replace the lower seat track at no charge. Less than 1 percent of welds are expected to require seat track replacement. GM is unaware of any crashes or injuries as a result of this issue.

120,426 2011-2013 model year Buick Regal and 2013 model year Chevrolet Malibus equipped with front turn signals that use two bulbs in each front turn signal. While the driver would get a rapidly flashing turn signal arrow in the instrument cluster if both bulbs in one turn signal were burned out; if only one bulb on either side burns out, there would be no signal to the driver. Dealers will reprogram the body control module to fix the condition. GM knows of no crashes, injuries or complaints related to this issue.

57,242 2014 Chevrolet Impalas equipped with belt-drive electric power steering. On certain vehicles, customers may experience reduced or no power steering assist at start-up or while driving due to a poor electrical ground connection to the Power Steering Control Module. If power steering is lost, a warning message is displayed on the Driver Information Center and a chime sounds. Steering control can be maintained because the vehicle will revert to manual steering mode, but would require greater driver effort particularly at low vehicle speeds. Paint may have seeped behind the nut on the power steering control module ground stud. Dealers will inspect and clean paint from behind the ground nut, re-torque the nut and update the power steering control module software at no charge. GM is aware of one crash but no injuries or fatalities related to this condition.

1,919 2014-2015 Chevrolet Sparks imported from Korea that were assembled with a lower control arm bolt not fastened to specification. The condition could result in noise from the front suspension and separation of the lower control arm from the steering knuckle while driving resulting in loss of steering control. Dealers will inspect the left and right hand lower control arm attaching bolts to assure they are tightened to specification. GM knows of no crashes, injuries or fatalities related to this condition.

22 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon/Yukon Denali vehicles in the U.S. In these vehicles, the roof carriers may have been attached with the wrong retaining nuts, resulting in holes or tears in the roof rail air bags if they deploy. Eight of these vehicles are in dealer stock and will be repaired before being sold.

GM Extends Supercharger Warranty On 2009 – 2013 Cadillac CTS-V

The Car Connection has reported that GM has found a problem with the supercharger on select 2009 – 2013 Cadillac CTS-Vs.

On affected vehicles, the supercharger may not perform as designed, resulting in contamination of the unit’s internal bearing shaft grease. When the problem is present, a rattle can be heard emanating from the engine at idle; slight acceleration above idle will cause it to go away.

If left uncorrected, contamination of the internal shaft bearing grease will accelerate into bearing failure, resulting in a loud squeal, then possible catastrophic engine damage or a no-start condition.

On affected vehicles, GM dealers will replace the supercharger at no charge.

For further information you can contact GM at 1-800-458-8006. You can also contact your local dealer with your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to determine if your vehicle is affected.

Source: GM Extends Supercharger Warranty On Chevy Camaro, Cadillac CTS-V

2016 Cadillac CTS-V Spied – Will have Twin Turbo V8

Sources are saying the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V will have either a twin-turbo charged V8 engine from the C6 Corvette Z06, or a version of the 4.5L twin-turbo charged V8 engine that made an appearance under the hood of the Cadillac Elmiraj concept.

Either way, those intercoolers behind the front grille are a good indication that whatever engine it will be – it’s going to be twin-turbo charged. Check out the photos below:

http://www.xlr-net.com/forums/cadillac-cts-cts-v-vsport/7879-2016-cadillac-cts-v-spied-will-have-twin-turbo-v8.html