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Cadillac fully unveiled the Cadillac CT5 sedan ahead of the New York International Auto Show today. We had seen a preview of the CT5 a few weeks ago, but today, Cadillac gives us the full release. Laden with modern technology, Cadillac will be introducing their SuperCruise self-driving system to the segment. SuperCruise is the first truly hands-free system for limited-access highways. Safety features include Safety Alert Seat, Rear Camera Mirror with zoom and tilt adjustment, Forward Collision Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, and Front Pedestrian Braking. Available additional packages include Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking, HD Surround Vision with Recorder, Rear Pedestrian Detection and Alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking. The base engine is a twin-scroll 2.0T with 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque routed through a 10-speed automatic to the rear or all wheels. Optional will be a 3.0 liter twin-turbo producing 335 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque from 2400-4400 RPM. Both engines have active fuel management and automatic start-stop. The CT5 uses a long 116 inch wheelbase and fastback roof line borrowed from the Escala concept car. All-LED exterior lighting is standard and includes signature vertical lighting on all four corners. Inside, the infotainment system features a 1080p 10inch diagonal touch screen mounted high on the dash for better visibility. A driver-selectable mode allows the driver to change the vehicle dynamics depending on driving style and road conditions. The Cadillac CT5 will be shown at the New York International Auto Show starting April 17th. Stay tuned for our thoughts on the CT5 from the show floor. You can read the full Cadillac Press Release on Page 2 Cadillac Introduces First-Ever CT5 Global debut of new American luxury sedan advances brand’s legacy by offering Super Cruise1 Cadillac recasts the concept of American Luxury with the global debut of the unrivaled 2020 CT5 sedan. This all-new compact sedan advances the brand’s award-winning legacy with a distinctive fusion of design, performance and comfort, supported by Cadillac’s latest technologies — including Super Cruise1, the world’s first true hands-free driver assistance feature for limited-access freeways. “The first-ever Cadillac CT5 showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in crafting American luxury sedans,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president. “Its details elevate every drive and reward the senses.” An all-new fastback design underscores the CT5’s refined ride, complemented with a driver-centric interior that blends high technology and high-touch elements. Luxury and Sport models allow customers to tailor the car to their style preferences with unique design and trim. “Cadillac is dedicated to building the world’s most exhilarating luxury sedans,” said Carlisle. “Every element of the CT5 is focused on delivering an unrivaled experience, from the 10-speed transmission to Cadillac’s Super Cruise technology. The expansion of Super Cruise to CT5 reinforces our commitment to bringing the most innovative technologies to our customers.” Cadillac CT5’s Super Cruise technology will be available in calendar year 2020 on select models. CT5 highlights: At launch, the model range will include Luxury, Premium Luxury and Sport, with a Platinum package available on Premium Luxury and Sport models. A 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine is standard and Cadillac’s 3.0L Twin-Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models. Unique sound calibrations are tuned with the engines and each is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The driving dynamics build on Cadillac’s award-winning RWD architecture and include standard Driver Mode Control. AWD is available. The latest Cadillac user experience2 with a large 10-inch-diagonal screen, as well as intuitive controls, including a rotary controller. A host of comfort and convenience features such as standard Adaptive Remote Start, cabin air purification ionizer and available front-seat lumbar massage. Driver awareness technologies include standard Safety Alert Seat3 and Cadillac’s latest generation available Rear Camera Mirror with zoom and tilt adjustment. Standard driver assistance technologies include Forward Collision Alert3, Low Speed Forward Automatic Emergency Braking3 and Front Pedestrian Braking3. Available driver assistance technologies including Advanced3 Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Forward Automatic Emergency Braking3, Automatic Parking Assist with Braking3, HD Surround Vision with Recorder3, Rear Pedestrian Detection and Alert3, Reverse Automatic Braking3and more. A New Design Profile With a fastback profile inspired by the Escala concept, the first-ever CT5 charts a new direction for Cadillac sedan design that leverages the natural proportional advantage of the vehicle’s rear-drive platform to communicate power, presence and performance. “From every angle, the CT5 exudes athleticism, sophistication and confidence,” said Andrew Smith, executive director of global Cadillac design. “Cadillac’s signature hard-edge cues have evolved to a more sculptural and fluid expression of the brand’s design language.” A long, 116-inch wheelbase (2,947 mm) and lengthened side glass accentuate the car’s long, low proportion and sweeping fastback profile. Body sculpturing, including taut character lines, contributes to the car’s strong stance and speaks to Cadillac’s legacy of craftsmanship and technology. An all-LED exterior lighting strategy features signature vertical lights at all four corners of the vehicle. Bright exterior accents and unique grilles and fascias distinguish the CT5 Luxury and Premium Luxury models, while the Sport model is differentiated by darker accents and performance-inspired details, including unique grilles, fascias, rocker extensions, spoiler and standard 19-inch wheels4. High-Tech and High-Touch Interior CT5’s interior features elegant, wide surface lines and simple interfaces, focusing on quality, attention to detail, authenticity of materials and impeccable craftsmanship. Everything from the instrument panel to the center display is focused on the driver and essential touch points, emphasizing control. That includes a prominent, 1080dp high-definition full-color 10-inch-diagonal touchscreen mounted high within the instrument panel for visibility. FEATURE FOCUS: PLATINUM PACKAGE The Premium Luxury and Sport models are available with a Platinum Package featuring an exclusive Sedona/Jet Black motif with Opus semi-aniline leather seating surfaces in Sedona Sauvage. These surfaces are distinguished with a custom, layered fading perforation pattern, fine contrasting seat piping and decorative chevron accents. Both front, heated, ventilated and lumbar massage seats feature additional bolstering and 18-way adjustability. The package complements the seats with upgraded leather-trimmed armrests and center console, unique carbon fiber decorative trim and a thicker-rimmed steering wheel with authentic magnesium paddle shifters and alloy pedals. Intuitive Technology and Connectivity CT5 delivers thoughtful technology integration by offering an intuitive in-vehicle experience with a heightened sense of control. This is provided in everything from vehicle controls that conform to the driver’s driving style to the latest, more personal Cadillac user experience2, which provides more intuitive ways to interface with the system, including phone pairing via Near Field Communication and a new rotary controller. CT5 also features standard Adaptive Remote Start and an available hands-free power-release decklid to further customers’ convenience and comfort. Adaptive Remote Start automatically activates features such as the available adaptive heated/ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and other climate systems, depending on the temperature. The hands-free decklid uses a motion sensor with Cadillac crest target projection that allows customers to activate the trunk release with their foot, supporting easy access. FEATURE FOCUS: SUPER CRUISE1 Cadillac demonstrates its commitment to technology by bringing the Super Cruise driver assistance feature to the CT5. Cadillac’s Super Cruise driver assistance feature enables customers to drive hands-free on more than 130,000 miles of limited-access freeways in the U.S. and Canada, using LiDAR map data, high-precision GPS, a state-of-the-art driver attention system and a network of camera and radar sensors. The driver attention system helps keep drivers engaged by detecting and signaling when drivers need to pay more attention to the road. Turbocharged Performance CT5 is powered by a 2.0L Twin-Scroll Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. This standard propulsion combination offers responsive off-the-line performance with excellent low-end torque. The twin-scroll turbocharger and a unique three-step sliding camshaft help the engine optimize performance across the rpm band for a greater feeling of on-demand power at all speeds. Cadillac’s powerful 3.0L Twin Turbo V-6 is available on Premium Luxury and Sport models, rated at an estimated 335 hp (250 kw) and 400 lb-ft of torque (542 Nm)5. Low-inertia turbochargers and a manifold-integrated liquid-to-air intercooling system help the engine produce exceptional power with virtually no lag and sustain it across most of the rpm band. Like the 2.0L Turbo, it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. Both engines employ technologies such as direct injection, camshaft phasing, Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and automatic stop/start to balance performance, refinement and efficiency. Sound tuning via mechanical and electronic sources contributes to CT5’s optimized effect on the senses, with engine sounds tuned to augment the driving experience in a refined manner, while helping to minimize unwanted noise in the cabin. Evolved Driving Dynamics Building on the strengths of the superb RWD architecture that underpins Cadillac’s award-winning rear-wheel-drive sedans, the first-ever CT5 is designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the brand’s signature blend of performance, comfort and refinement. Evolutionary enhancements of the front and rear suspensions, including Cadillac’s signature double-pivot MacPherson-type front suspension, are designed to improve road isolation and driver feedback. At the rear, a five-link independent suspension contributes to the car’s excellent feeling of control. Additional chassis and driving dynamics features: Standard Bosch premium electric, rack-mounted power steering system. Capable, confident and precise eBoost brakes. Brembo front brakes are standard on the Sport model. Standard ZF MVS passive dampers. All-wheel drive is available on all models. Standard customer-selectable drive modes allow CT5 to adapt even better to driver preferences and changing road conditions. The modes — Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice and new My Mode — can alter the calibrations for transmission shifting, steering and brake feel, front/rear torque split (with the available AWD system) and vehicle sound character to customize the driving experience. CT5 can handle a variety of road conditions no matter the climate, thanks to all-wheel drive available on every model along with a diverse range of tire choices, including 19-inch all-season run-flat tires and 18-inch Michelin self-seal tires. All tire options allow drivers to continue driving during most punctures that would sideline conventional tires, for immediate replacement/repair. Coming Soon The 2020 CT5 makes its public debut at the New York International Auto Show April 19-28 and will be available for ordering this fall. It will be manufactured at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility, which previously received a $211 million investment to build the next-generation Cadillac sedans. Pricing and additional information will be announced closer to the start of production. View full article

Cadillac will be unveiling the CT5 sedan at the New York International Auto Show next month. The CT5 is build on the next generation of GM's Alpha platform and will come in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Power will be provided by either a 2.0T 4-cylinder or 3.0 Twin-Turbo V6. Both engines will send power to the wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. The CT5 will offer Luxury and Sport trims. In a video series called "Sensory Symphony", Cadillac slowly peels back the specially design camouflage film to trigger an ASMR response in the viewer while slowly revealing the car. This is to bring awareness to the CT5's auditory experience with active noise cancellation and other sound optimizations. The Cadillac CT5 will be built at GM's Lansing Grand River plant. View full article

The First of GM’s All-New Pickups Posts a 20 Percent Q1 Gain Industry retail sales, consumer sentiment rebounding GM average transaction prices set new first-quarter company record Chevrolet Trax, Equinox and Colorado set first-quarter company sales records DETROIT — General Motors (NYSE: GM) announced today that it delivered 665,840 vehicles in the first quarter of 2019, with a selling mix of trucks, SUVs and crossovers above 80 percent. GM’s focus on these vibrant segments helped it earn the highest average transaction prices for any first quarter in the company’s history. The Chevrolet Trax, Equinox and Colorado all set GM first-quarter sales records and the GMC Acadia posted its best quarter ever. The all-new Cadillac XT4 was the best-selling vehicle in its segment and the Buick Enclave was up 28 percent versus a year ago. The all-new full-size pickups from Chevrolet and GMC are also off to a very strong start. “Our production launch was very smooth and crew cab sales are brisk, especially those with premium trims,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president, Sales Operations. “We look forward to improving availability of our wide-range of cabs, trim series and powertrains.” First-quarter 2019 average transaction prices for GM's all-new, light-duty pickups were $8,040 higher compared to their outgoing models in the first quarter of 2018, with the GMC Sierra leading the segment, according to J.D. Power PIN estimates. Combined sales of the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 crew cabs — the first of the company’s all-new full-size pickups to launch — were up 20 percent year over year. Crew-cab production mix is currently running above 70 percent to meet strong customer demand, up 10 percentage points on average from the previous-generation trucks. More than 95 percent of the all-new GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab sales are high-end trims including SLT, AT4 and Denali. Availability of all-new regular-cab and double-cab pickups was very limited during the quarter due to launch timing, but full production of all cab styles started in March and they currently are arriving in dealer showrooms. GM will begin the next phase of its full-size pickup truck launch in the second half of the year with the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD. “We are bullish on pickups and expect to gain sales momentum throughout the year,” said McNeil. “We are installing capacity in Flint to build more HD pickups in total, more crew cab models, more dualies and diesel models, too, all in response to dealer and customer demand.” Other new models launching this year include the XT6, Cadillac’s first three-row crossover, and the CT5, Cadillac’s new luxury-sport sedan. The all-new Chevrolet Blazer is also gaining momentum, and the brand will begin national advertising for the vehicle during the second quarter as production ramps up. Solid U.S. Economy, Strong GM Operating Discipline GM sales in the first quarter of 2019 were down 7 percent year over year compared to a very strong first quarter of 2018. “After a slow start to the year, the retail SAAR has risen each month since January,” said Elaine Buckberg, GM chief economist. “Consumer sentiment continued to recover in March and the other key drivers of auto sales like employment, wage growth and household balance sheets are healthy. The Fed paused in raising interest rates, which eases a headwind facing auto sales. Overall, the U.S. economy is in solid shape, which bodes well for the industry outlook.” GM’s Commercial deliveries, which are another barometer of economic strength, grew at an average annual rate of more than 7 percent from 2012 to 2017 and were up 11 percent year over year in 2018. Commercial deliveries were close to flat to a very strong first quarter a year ago, even with limited availability of regular light- and heavy-duty pickups, and heavy-duty crew-cab pickups. GM has demonstrated continued strong operating discipline and is very well positioned heading into the second quarter: The company’s incentive spending as a percentage of average transaction price was 13 percent, down close to a full percentage point year over year, according to J.D Power PIN. GM’s per-unit incentive spending was down $175 year over year, as domestic competitors increased their spending in the quarter, according to J.D. Power PIN. Average transaction prices rose $938 to a first-quarter record of $35,881, according to J.D. Power PIN. Inventory is a healthy 818,967 units heading into the second quarter, which tends to be a strong quarter for industry sales. QUARTER 1 (CALENDAR YEAR-TO-DATE) JANUARY - MARCH 2019 2018 %Change Volume 2019 2018 %Change Volume Cascada 746 918 -18.7 746 918 -18.7 Enclave 12,580 9,869 27.5 12,580 9,869 27.5 Encore 24,606 25,468 -3.4 24,606 25,468 -3.4 Envision 7,623 9,696 -21.4 7,623 9,696 -21.4 LaCrosse 2,902 7,066 -58.9 2,902 7,066 -58.9 Regal 3,408 3,708 -8.1 3,408 3,708 -8.1 Buick Total 51,867 56,804 -8.7 51,867 56,804 -8.7 ATS 522 3,962 -86.8 522 3,962 -86.8 CT6 2,188 2,467 -11.3 2,188 2,467 -11.3 CTS 2,428 2,442 -0.6 2,428 2,442 -0.6 Escalade 6,819 8,111 -15.9 6,819 8,111 -15.9 XT4 7,026 0 ***.* 7,026 0 ***.* XT5 13,278 14,845 -10.6 13,278 14,845 -10.6 XTS 3,734 4,898 -23.8 3,734 4,898 -23.8 Cadillac Total 35,995 36,727 -2.0 35,995 36,727 -2.0 Blazer 3,023 0 ***.* 3,023 0 ***.* Bolt EV 4,316 4,375 -1.3 4,316 4,375 -1.3 Camaro 12,083 11,792 2.5 12,083 11,792 2.5 Colorado 33,494 28,859 16.1 33,494 28,859 16.1 Corvette 3,943 4,457 -11.5 3,943 4,457 -11.5 Cruze 23,311 39,855 -41.5 23,311 39,855 -41.5 Equinox 88,500 82,398 7.4 88,500 82,398 7.4 Express 17,215 19,774 -12.9 17,215 19,774 -12.9 Impala 13,259 14,067 -5.7 13,259 14,067 -5.7 LCF 559 530 5.5 559 530 5.5 Malibu 34,197 34,150 0.1 34,197 34,150 0.1 Silverado 114,313 135,545 -15.7 114,313 135,545 -15.7 Sonic 4,460 5,983 -25.5 4,460 5,983 -25.5 Spark 6,423 6,945 -7.5 6,423 6,945 -7.5 Suburban 11,029 14,725 -25.1 11,029 14,725 -25.1 Tahoe 20,853 23,643 -11.8 20,853 23,643 -11.8 Traverse 34,223 38,198 -10.4 34,223 38,198 -10.4 Trax 24,580 20,482 20.0 24,580 20,482 20.0 Volt 2,520 3,478 -27.5 2,520 3,478 -27.5 Chevrolet Total 452,401 490,919 -7.8 452,401 490,919 -7.8 Acadia 31,200 29,900 4.3 31,200 29,900 4.3 Canyon 6,954 7,213 -3.6 6,954 7,213 -3.6 Savana 6,566 4,797 36.9 6,566 4,797 36.9 Sierra 40,546 41,468 -2.2 40,546 41,468 -2.2 Terrain 25,364 32,964 -23.1 25,364 32,964 -23.1 Yukon 14,947 15,002 -0.4 14,947 15,002 -0.4 GMC Total 125,577 131,344 -4.4 125,577 131,344 -4.4 GM Vehicle Total* 665,840 715,794 -7.0 665,840 715,794 -7.0 76 selling days for the QUARTER 1 this year and 77 for same QUARTER last year.

The saying goes there is no replacement for displacement, but at Cadillac that is no longer the case when it comes to the trunk badges. Starting in 2020 on the XT6, Cadillac will drop the engine displacement badge from their vehicles. Instead, they will use a number that represents torque in newton-meters and rounded up to the next number that ends in 00 or 50. Turbo models will get a T, while V-series models will retain their V in place of the number. For the XT6, that means its 271 lb-ft of torque converts to 373 newton-meters and then gets rounded up to 400. Once the scheme rolls out to other models it could look like this: XT4 2.0T - 350T XT5/XT6 3.6 - 400 Escalade 6.2 - 600 (current model, future model could be different) ATS/CTS/CT6 2.0T - 400T (current model, future CT4 and CT5 could be different) ATS/CTS/CT6 3.6 - 400 CTS 3.6TT - 600T CT6 3.0T - 550T If the V-series cars used the numbers, it would look like this: ATS 3.6 TT - 600T CTS-V 6.2 - 900(S?) CT6-V 4.2T - 850T Cadillac President Steve Carlisle said "We're not talking about displacements anymore. [The new badging's] purpose is to communicate power and performance, not just for internal combustion engines, but also for other propulsion." This is a nod to Cadillac's first all-electric model coming in 2022. Cadillac has not yet revealed what letter the electric vehicles will use. The CT6 PHEV still sold in China could potentially wear a 600 badge. This move by Cadillac resembles Audi's move to a horsepower based naming scheme used in Europe. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will be built in Spring Hill TN and will go on sale later this year. Related: Detroit 2019: 2020 Cadillac XT6 Cadillac XT6 Gets $53,690 Starting Price View full article

Currently, the least expensive way to get into a 3-row Cadillac was to pony up $76 kilo-dollars for a base Cadillac Escalade. Even then, check too many boxes on the option sheet and the price could easily head well into the $80k range. When the Cadillac XT6 hits dealership later in couple months, that line in the sand will fall by over $20k. Cadillac will begin taking orders on the XT6 later this month with a base price starting at $53,690. That gets you a front-wheel drive Premium Luxury model. The XT6 Sport with standard all-wheel drive starts at $58,090 (including destination charge for both). All XT6 models are powered by a 3.6 liter V6 producing 310 hp and a 9-speed automatic transmission shifting power to the wheels. Active fuel management and Start/Stop are standard. The Sport model features standard Continuous Damping Control suspension. You can read more about the Cadillac XT6 from our coverage of the reveal at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. View full article

Only a few months after closing it down, Cadillac is bringing back their Book subscription program. Expected to launch in the second quarter, the revised program will be bringing in their dealers to play a key role. "Book 2.0 really works even more closely with our dealer network because we think there's a lot of opportunity as you go forward. We're going to base it off the dealer network," said Cadillac marketing chief Deborah Wahl. "We have to recognize that all of us — from the manufacturers to the dealer networks — we have to evolve our models to keep up with where consumers are." The first phase of the program launch will see a small number of pilot programs launch in select cities. Interestingly, New York which was one of the first markets for the original Book will not be involved for the time being according to Wahl. Cadillac was one the first automakers to launch a subscription program back in March 2017. For $1,800 per month, a subscriber could pick from a number of Cadillac vehicles and swap in/out with no long-term commitment. The fee also covered various items such as maintenance and insurance. But Cadillac surprised everyone when it announced they would be shuttering Book back in November. “We are hitting the pause button for a brief time to make some tweaks to Book [by Cadillac] based on our learnings,” a spokesman for GM said at the time. It was unclear why Book closed down. Cadillac said there was a small group of customers that took advantage of swapping vehicles. There was also talk that certain aspects of the system, such as the back-end became a bit too costly. Dealers were not too happy about not being involved in this program. Cadillac handled many of the details such as delivery and service. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Back in November, General Motors announced that it would end production of six models in North America. One of the models listed was the Cadillac CT6 sedan. This surprised a number of people considering that the brand had only refreshed model, and announced some key improvements such as adding Super Cruise and a new twin-turbo V8 engine known as Blackwing. But GM President Mark Reuss and Cadillac President Steve Carlisle said they are looking into various options to keep the CT6 on sale in the U.S. The two explained that model was never meant to be on the chopping with other models such as the Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Impala. But officials at the time did not mention those plans in the original announcement in November. "From the very beginning, we never said that CT6 was going away, because we're very keen on launching Blackwing and Super Cruise and all those sort of things," said Carlisle on the floor of the Detroit Auto Show. "We're working hard to find other alternatives to that. We have some time." What are the alternatives being considered? Automotive News reports that GM may move production to another plant (ultimately depending on the negotiations with the UAW to take place later this year), or import the model from China - an idea Carlisle said "would be the least-preferred option." Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

For almost two decades, Cadillac has been undergoing a transformation of sorts to become a threat to likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The various models and changes have been met with mixed reactions. But the latest move to make Cadillac the lead brand in General Motors' electric car offensive marks a big change. According to an executive, this is the brand's last chance at success. “We don’t have any chances left with taking Cadillac to a really new place. This is pretty much it,” said GM President Mark Reuss to Reuters. “So we really have to hit the ball here. It’s my job to make sure we do.” Cadillac previewed their first EV on Sunday night during the press preview of the XT6 crossover. No name was given, but the model appears to be a small or midsize crossover. It will be the first vehicle to use GM's dedicated BEV3 platform that has been designed to underpin various types of vehicles and drivetrain layouts. When asked how long it would take for Cadillac to transition to an all-electric lineup, Reuss said it is too early to tell. He expects a combination of electrified and combustion engine models “for quite a few years” in the lineup. Reuss did not elaborate what would happen if the transition to electric faltered. “All I’m focused on is what we’re doing right now…” Reuss said, “and getting momentum back in Cadillac.” Source: Reuters View full article

Back at the New York Auto Show, Cadillac unveiled an all-new twin-turbo 4.2L V8 that produces 550 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. This engine was destined for upcoming CT6 V-Sport. But with the CT6 lineup destined to go away in the near future, what will happen to the new V8. Roadshow has learned from a source that Cadillac will be using this engine in the next-generation Escalade and CTS-V (don't you mean CT5-V?!). Let's begin with the next-generation Escalade. The current model uses a 6.2L V8 engine that makes 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. We know that Cadillac was planning to offer a slightly detuned version of the 4.2L V8 on the regular CT6, producing somewhere in the range of 500 horsepower. Whether Cadillac decides to go with this or push power down a bit further remains to be seen. Now to the CTS-V, or CT5-V. This is where we begin to question the source. We know that Cadillac will be retiring the CTS and ATS in the next couple of years for the upcoming CT5. Why the source said, "next-generation CTS-V sedan" has us scratching our heads. Maybe the source misspoke or GM is thinking about continuing forward the CTS-V nameplate. We're likely putting too much thought into this. Nevertheless, we would expect Cadillac to bump up horsepower to 600 or so to keep up with the likes of the Germans. Source: Roadshow View full article

Cadillac released images and information on their all-new 2020 Cadillac XT6 today. Based on the same chassis as the GMC Acadia, the new XT6 slots between the XT5 and the Escalade in terms of size and price. Two trims are available, Premium Luxury and Sport. The XT6 is powered by the familiar 3.6 liter V6 with 310 hp. Active fuel management comes standard and allows the engine to run in 4-cylinder mode when V6 power is not needed. All-Wheel Drive is available on the Premium Luxury and is standard on Sport. The Sport model's AWD is a more advanced active twin-clutch design. Sport also comes with Continuous Damping Control (note: Not Magnetic ride control - DD) and a faster steering ratio for more enthusiastic performance. Power is fed through a 9-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Precision Shift. Inside the XT6 provides the driver and all passengers with "the best seat in the house". A contemporary interior aesthetic surround occupants with semi-aniline leather seating surfaces, carbon fiber trim on the Sport, and wood on Premium Luxury models. Additionally available interior features include an in-cabin air ionizer, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a standard heated steering wheel. All models come with 6 USB ports for charging devices. Cadillac's CUE Infotainment system now includes 1-touch pairing with users' phones via near field communication and a new rotary controller with intuitive jog functionality. CUE will now allow drivers to store their profile in the cloud for customization across compatible vehicles. Additional CUE features include: Updated navigation functionality with natural address entry. Capable of supporting SiriusXM 360L. 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot (includes 3GB or three months of data, whichever comes first). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for compatible smartphones. Next-generation, 15-watt wireless charging. Teen Driver. The 2020 Cadillac XT6 will be built in Spring Hill TN and will go on sale later this year. 2020 Cadillac XT6 Debut.pdf View full article

There has been a lot of talk about Cadillac working on a three-row crossover, but no substance to this. That changed this week as spy photos of the three-row crossover, possibly named the XT6 came out. The test mule is heavily camouflaged, but we can pull some details out. The front end looks somewhat similar to the recently launched XT4 with a large grille. Headlights appear to be off-the-shelf projector units - we're expecting different units on the production model. Around back, the tailgate design is similar to the XT5. As Car and Driver pointed out, the XT6's roofline shape is alike to the Chevrolet Traverse. Underpinning the XT6 is expected to be the long-wheelbase version of the C1XX architecture, which also underpins the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Traverse. No details on powertrains, but we're guessing the 3.6L V6 found in the Enclave and Traverse will be used for the Cadillac variant. This would be paired with an nine-speed automatic and the choice of front or all-wheel drive. Everyone seems to think that the XT6 will debut at the LA Auto Show in November, with sales to begin next spring. Source: Car and Driver, CarScoops View full article

Late last week, the first spy shots of the next-generation Cadillac Escalade made their way onto the web. Much like the spy shots of the Chevrolet Suburban that came out back in May, we can't tell much about the exterior due to the heavy camouflage. There are certain details that can be made out such as Escala-like grille and the headlights moving horizontally. Like the new Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, the Escalade and sister SUV models will utilize the T1XX platform. One of the key changes this platform brings is an independent rear suspension, something we first saw in the Suburban spy shots. The 6.2L V8 with 420 horsepower is expected to continue into the next-generation model, teamed with a new 10-speed automatic. There is also the possibility of the twin-turbo 4.2L V8, detuned to 500 horsepower or so. Expect to see the 2020 Escalade sometime next year. Source: Car and Driver, Motor Authority View full article

What does everyone make of this photo? Jalopnik story According to Jalopnik, an anonymous tipster emailed in photo's of a key fob and clearly proved it is from Cadillac by flipping the fob over to show the Cadillac logo on the back. The interesting thing is that the new leader of Cadillac has been busy rolling back all of the former leaders car focused stuff and refocusing on CUVs. Yet when asked about a new Halo auto and if the mid-engine corvette could be used as a base, the response was we will have something much more interesting and special for Cadillac. Now with that said, we get pictures of this fob which would show a frunk and trunk plus a retractable roof. Is it possible that Cadillac could go AWD EV Halo on us? What do you all think is going on here? Is it the fob to an EV Halo car, Hybrid Halo car, Mid-Engine ICE Halo?

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