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

New Cadillac to come from Hamtramck

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The current Cadillac sedans/coupes come from Lansing Grand River, with the exception of the ELR which is made at Hamtramck (can I buy a vowel?).   This was the main hub for Cadillac before the new plant at LGR, so it is familiar ground for Cadillac lovers.

Still no word on engines in the new car, but good news it is coming sooner rather than later.

 

Full Release:

DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will elevate its growing portfolio with a new, top-end, high-technology car. The as-yet unnamed Cadillac will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2015 at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

The addition of this new Cadillac is part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the facility on Detroit’s east side. Tools and equipment unique to the Cadillac model were installed recently.

“The objective for this upcoming model is to lift the Cadillac range by entering the elite class of top-level luxury cars,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “Currently in development, this new rear wheel drive-oriented sedan uses completely new, custom-designed materials on a unique vehicle architecture.

“In addition to new technology in the car itself, we are instituting innovative manufacturing techniques to assemble it with the precision deserving of a luxury make.”

Positioned above today’s CTS and XTS product lines, the new top-of-the-line Cadillac adds to rather than replaces any model in the portfolio. The model name will be announced soon. It will make its public debut in the first half of next year.

Said Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder: “Michigan takes great pride in being recognized as the automotive capital of the world, GM’s choice to build its Cadillac flagship sedan at Detroit Hamtramck is a testament to the spirit, resolve and talented workers residing in our communities and state, and demonstrates the high quality of what ‘Made in Michigan’ means. And it’s another sign of the amazing comeback underway that’s building a strong foundation and bright future for all Michiganders.”

Four of seven Cadillac models – the ELR at Detroit-Hamtramck and the CTS sedan and ATS sedan and Coupe are built at Lansing Grand River – are assembled in Michigan.

“This is another testament to the power of collective bargaining and what can be achieved when we all work together,” said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who leads the union’s GM Department. “Our members work hard and take great pride in creating quality products that drive the industry forward and make these achievements possible.”

Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly opened in 1985 and spans two cities – Detroit and Hamtramck. It is the home of GM electric vehicles, including the Cadillac ELR and is the company’s most complex plant in North America building five models on one production line. GM has invested more than $1 billion in the plant over the last five years.

“This is wonderful news for Michigan. For 110 years, Cadillac has been building beautiful, cutting-edge vehicles right here in Michigan, and today’s announcement just reinforces how exciting the future is for Cadillac, GM, and our state,” said U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. “I am thankful for (GM CEO) Mary Barra’s commitment to Michigan and American manufacturing.”

Cadillac Escalade and ELR Sales Charge Up in July

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Cadillac continued to show strong sales of the Cadillac SRX crossover in July.  Surprisingly Escalade sales were up sharply, bringing Cadillac to a 37% share of the large luxury SUV market.  GM’s Truck and Crossover sales were up across the board.

ATS continued around 1/4 of where it should be in sales — about 9k-10k per month to match the 3-series, and 1/2 of Cadillac’s initial target of 5k/mo.  CTS just edged out XTS at 2039 vs 1939 units.

Cadillac found the key to ELR sales, with 188 off to happy new owners in July.  Easily the best sales month for the electric Cadillac ever.

  July (Calendar Year-to-Date)
January – July
  2014 2013 %Change Volume   2014 2013 %Change Volume  
ATS 2,582 2,905 -11.1   17,492 22,088 -20.8  
CTS 2,039 2,889 -29.4   18,047 18,022 0.1  
ELR 188 0 ***.*   578 0 ***.*  
Escalade 2,467 1,105 123.3   9,138 6,782 34.7  
Escalade ESV 1,427 688 107.4   5,162 4,515 14.3  
Escalade EXT 0 182 ***.*   49 1,341 -96.3  
SRX 4,599 4,943 -7.0   33,463 28,933 15.7  
XTS 1,939 2,940 -34.0   13,429 17,624 -23.8  
Cadillac Total* 15,241 15,652 -2.6   97,358 99,331 -2.0  

“Sales of utility vehicles soared in July because American families feel better about the economy than they have in a long time, and they are finding an incredible variety of redesigned and all-new models in our showrooms,” said Kurt McNeil, U.S. vice president of Sales Operations. “Small, compact, medium, large – sales were strong across the board.”

 

 

ATS Coupe 2.0T Gets More Torque Output, Equipment

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New Lane Change Alert and Lane Keep Assist safety systems available

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.