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ZF Lenksysteme Steering Enhances 2015 ATS Coupe

Premium electric power steering refines 2015 ATS Coupe ride without sacrificing handling

2015 Cadillac CTS Coupe

DETROIT – Cadillac and ZF Lenksysteme GmbH, a leading supplier of automotive steering systems, have teamed to create world-class dynamic handling and steering for all models of the 2015 ATS.

Starting with the excellent mechanical steering system, the electronic power assist steering gives a wider range of assist, resulting in an incredibly communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience, said Kevin Woodward, global key account at ZF Lenksysteme.

For 2015 ATS models, including the all-new ATS Coupe, the feel of the electronic power-assisted steering, designed with ZF Lenksysteme, has been improved through revised programming within the electronic control unit. The result is an incredibly communicative, well-weighted and responsive steering experience.

For 2015 ATS models, including the all-new ATS Coupe, the feel of the electronic power-assisted steering has been improved through revised programming within the electronic control unit. New programming broadens the range of steering assist at low and high vehicle speeds, based on wheel speed, steering angle and even the car’s chassis mode.

“It means that you don’t have to sacrifice parking lot feel for spirited driving feel,” Woodward said. “The new software change illustrates our ability to balance the goal of spirited performance, nimble and quick-responding steering with the premium luxury feel expected by Cadillac owners.”

The electric, variable-assist power steering system from ZF Lenksysteme is designed to deliver excellent response and on-center characteristics while saving fuel since engine power isn’t directly required to assist gear movement – as is the case with conventional hydraulic systems.

“Premium electric power steering by ZF Lenksysteme steering gear has great torsional stiffness and low operating friction to enhance the steering feel with almost perfect linear response,” Woodward said. Additionally, the steering column and intermediate shaft feature stiff, direct-acting and low-friction ball bearing designs for a more immediate, connected-to-the-road feel for the driver.

Cadillac Sales: Crossovers and Trucks Do Well in June

The Cadillac SRX continued to dominate Cadillac Sales in June at 4,652 sold, followed by Escalade sales which were not quite 3K.   Clearly the market for luxury cross-overs and trucks has recovered somewhat in this period of relatively low gas prices.

Cadillac notes in the GM press release:

Cadillac sales were up, with Escalade up 57 percent and SRX up 19 percent. It was Cadillac’s best June since 2008, and 57 percent of customers did not trade in a Cadillac.

Cadillac’s sedan sales were down, with total sales led by ATS, CTS, and XTS in that order.  ATS sales were down 32%, CTS 10%, and XTS 24%.  The ATS Coupe is just reaching the market.  Cadillac is making changes to the logo to drop the wreath on new sedans.  No word of other substantial changes to address slow sedan sales.

  June (Calendar Year-to-Date)
January – June
  2014 2013 %Change Volume   2014 2013 %Change Volume  
ATS 2,358 3,459 -31.8   14,910 19,183 -22.3  
CTS 2,174 2,416 -10.0   16,008 15,133 5.8  
DTS 0 16 ***.*   0 19 ***.*  
ELR 97 0 ***.*   390 0 ***.*  
Escalade 1,907 1,035 84.3   6,671 5,677 17.5  
Escalade ESV 1,058 667 58.6   3,735 3,827 -2.4  
Escalade EXT 2 186 -98.9   49 1,159 -95.8  
SRX 4,652 3,912 18.9   28,864 23,990 20.3  
STS 0 4 ***.*   0 7 ***.*  
XTS 1,693 2,234 -24.2   11,490 14,684 -21.8  
Cadillac Total* 13,941 13,929 0.1   82,117 83,679 -1.9  

The Cadillac ELR had its best month yet at 97 delivered to happy new Electric Cadillac owners.   Dealers are offering substantial discounts on new ELRs which bring the pricing down from the $75-82K sticker.  The ELR would have been well placed price-wise at $55K.

Cadillac Sales Summary

Where are the new V-Series?  Cadillac is missing the long-expected ATS-V and the updated CTS-V.  Although these would sell around 15-20% of each line, they offer some halo appeal.   People are drawn into the showroom or sales consideration by  fire-breathing, athletic Cadillac models, even if they “settle” for a less expensive selection.

Cadillac can address ATS sales by getting the model priced aggressively.    Get the 2.5L standard model under $30K to compete there.  Get the fully loaded premium 2L Turbo under $40K, and the 3.6L Premium under $45.  The ATS as the entry level small Cadillac should not cost almost as much at the upper line CTS (!!).

What do you think?  How would you improve sedan sales within the year?