Author Archives: bwnunnally

About bwnunnally

Bruce Nunnally is an independent Blogger who writes Cadillac Conversations on all things Cadillac. Connect with Bruce on Google+

The Surprising Result of Test Drives

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Recently I have done weekend test drives of the Cadillac CTS-V, the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon, the Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the Cadillac SRX 3L.  You can find all of my test drives under the ‘Test Drive‘ tag.

I have enjoyed each vehicle.  A part of testing each vehicle is trying to understand that individual design, what the Design Team had in mind, who the target audience for the vehicle is.    With the Cadillac CTS-V, I fit within the demographic that the team is targeting.   People who want maximum sport, with all the luxury appointments of a Cadillac.   That one was easy for me to ‘get’ and to understand.

The Cadillac Escalade ESV offers amazing space and storage ability, along with 3 rows of seating.  It is a terrific vehicle for when you need to tow, or carry a large family, or frequently carry large items.  It drives well, and is extremely well mannered regardless of size, but especially for a large vehicle.

The Cadillac Sport Wagon offers the feel of the sedan — lower weight, lower center of gravity, more sporty handling — while providing easy access storage space and utility.  The Cadillac Team has carefully engineered the cargo storage and seat configurations with actual uses of the Sport Wagon in mind.

The Cadillac SRX was a real surprise to me.  The inherent goodness of this vehicle is very high.  The package as a whole is delightful.   Integration of a digital display in the dash, along with thoughtful features like folding mirrors and predictive pathing on the back up camera display push this Cadillac very high on my list of desirable vehicles.  Before I drove one, I was pleased that the SRX was selling well for Cadillac, but would never consider it as a daily driver.  After driving one, I not only appreciate why they sell so well, but would consider purchasing one.

And therein lies the interesting side-effect of my test drives.  My palate is expanding.  I have come to appreciate an even wider variety of Cadillac designs and choices.  While I am fond of pointing out that “every Cadillac does not have to be a CTS-V”, now I feel that more than ever.

I have been shopping for a low-mile 2008 Cadillac STS-V as my next vehicle.   Now I plan to consider a low-mile 2009 Cadillac CTS Premium Model as well until the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V prices come down to my budget.  Before I valued the V-series packaging and absolute acceleration/braking/cornering; now I appreciate the balanced packaging of the current Cadillac line.

When Can a Single V6 work well in a Cadillac or a Camaro?

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When can a single V6 engine work well in a Cadillac or a Camaro?  When it is as good as the LLT V6.

2010 GM 3.6L V-6 VVT DI (LLT) for Cadillac CTS

What are the features one would need to fit these disparate platforms?  For the Camaro, you might might focus on maximum torque, and maximum peak horsepower.  For the Cadillac, you might focus on noise, vibration, and harshness while delivering maximum power in a fluid manner.  The LLT V6 manages to fulfill both bills with aplomb.

First, the LLT V6 is a 60 degree V-angle engine.  The ideal V angle for balance alone for a 6 cylinder is 120 degrees, to time when opposing cylinders fire and offset the secondary moment.  This is determined by dividing 720 degrees (2 revolutions for a 4-cycle engine) by the number of cylinders.   Due to packaging (width of the engine) and because it results in a very smooth running engine, 60 degrees is generally accepted as the optimal V-angle for a modern V6.

Variable Valve Timing: The LLT uses variable valve timing to optimize its power range.  Dual overhead cam (DOHC) engines such as the LLT have the advantage of different cams for the intake and exhaust.  VVT engines have the further advantage of phasing the input and output camshafts to provide the optimum low rpm Torque and high RPM power.

Cam phasing also pays big dividends in reducing exhaust emissions. By closing the exhaust valves late at appropriate times, the cam phasers create an internal exhaust-gas recirculation system. The 3.6L V-6 VVT DI meets all emissions mandates without complex, weight-increasing emissions control systems such as EGR and air injection reaction (AIR).

Direct Injection is a relatively new technology that directly injects fuel into the combustion chamber at high pressure.  This results in more complete and regulated combustion.  Traditional fuel injection systems inject a fuel air mixture upstream of the intake valve.  Further, the combination of DOHC, VVT, and DI work synergistically to deliver power, fuel economy, and low emissions.

What is next for the LLT V6? This engine family was originally designed to support displacements up to 4L, and to support Supercharging or Turbocharging.   We may see the 3L variant with a power adder instead of the 3.6L  variant, but the 3.6L will always be close to my heart; I have been driving these 3.6L’s in the non-DI LY7 version for six years now and they are very reliable, flexible engines.  With the addition of forced induction they will be even better.

Re: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV Leaks Out: First Official Images and Details – Carscoop

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Carscoop.blogspot.com has the scoop on the updated Porsche Cayenne SUV: 2011 Porsche Cayenne SUV Leaks Out: First Official Images and Details – Carscoop.

The Cayenne was very controversial originally for those who feel that Porsche should ONLY make sports cars.  Because it has sold well, some of those  voices have been drowned out.

The new Cayenne adapts some interior touches from the Porsche Panamera, and some external touches from the current 911.  Having fans note that the new design looks ‘less clumsy’ than the old design is faint praise at best.  This updated model is around 400 lbs lighter than the previous, but still heavy.

I would like to see Cadillac offer a V-Series SRX AWD with the 556 hp LSA engine, sport suspension, and Brembo brakes to compete in this market.

The 2011 Cayenne will have its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show early next week and go on sale this Spring.