Cadillac tweeted this updated photo of the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept rear seat today:
@Cadillac: We’ve upgraded the back seat area of the XTS Platinum Concept for the Beijing Motor Show.
XTS update for the Beijing Auto Show released in April 2010
I continue to like the clean styling; however it is not obvious to me what changed from the limited interior photos we got at the premiere.
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V arrived with a supercharged 6.2L OHV V8 engine, the mighty LSA. It also brought back an ‘expected’ Cadillac feature to the CTS-V line — an optional Automatic transmission. But wait, what automatic transmission can be strapped to the back of a freight train like the LSA and live? Enter the 6L90 Heavy Duty Automatic 6 speed Transmission to the world of sports cars.
2010 Hydra-Matic 6L90 (MYD) Six Speed RWD/AWD Automatic Transmission for Cadillac CTS-V
Overview
The Hydra-Matic 6L90 is six-speed automatic transmission for rear- and four-wheel-drive trucks, designed with modular flexibility and compatibility with advanced electronic controls. It is a heavy-duty version of the 6L80 six-speed automatic, with a strengthened input gear-set which has two additional pinion gears for six total, and a strengthened output gearset, that uses wider gears than the 6L80. The 6L90 flexibility extends to the clutches where the 6L90 has one more clutch plate than the 6L80 in each clutch for heavy duty applications.
The 6L90 has the capability for adaptive shift controls and other features such as grade braking, and Driver Shift Control with tap up/tap down shifting as found in the CTS-V. A wide overall ratio spread of 6.04:1 allows a “steep” first gear, as well as very “tall” overdrive top gear for low-rpm highway cruising. With this wide ratio spread, acceleration is maximized, as is fuel economy. Engine noise is also lower during cruising. Both fifth and sixth gears are “overdrive” gears, for example.
As in the 6L80, gear changes from second to sixth gears are accomplished with clutch-to-clutch control, where an oncoming clutch is engaged and an “offgoing” clutch is released in a precise manner to achieve the ratio change. The first-to-second up-shift, however, is a freewheeling action, where the second gear clutch engages while the first gear one-way clutch spins freely. This allows a greater degree of smoothness at lower vehicle speeds. The clutch-to-clutch shifting and single freewheeler allows significant reductions in packaging requirements.
Advances in transmission control modules allow the modules to exist reliably inside the transmission, where temperatures remain fairly constant compared to a body-mounted module. The transmission and module are assembled together, so no additional steps are necessary during vehicle assembly.
The 32-bit transmission control module (TCM) monitors transmission performance and compensates for normal wear in components such as clutch plates, so transmission performance remains consistent for the life of the transmission. The control module also “tests” the components of the transmission following assembly to optimize the interaction of the components. The module is compatible with future global applications.
| 2010 Hydra-Matic 6L90 Transmission ( MYD ) | |
| Type: | Six speed RWD / AWD, electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with torque converter clutch. Clutch-to-clutch architecture, with integral Electro / Hydraulic Controls Module |
| Maximum engine power: | 452 bhp ( 337 kW ), Diesel: 300bhp ( 223kW ) – Truck 555 bhp ( 414 kW ) – Passenger car |
| Maximum engine torque: | 531 lb-ft ( 720 Nm ), Diesel: 520 lb-ft ( 705 Nm ) – Truck 550 lb-ft ( 746 Nm ) – Passenger car |
| Maximum gearbox torque: | 885 lb-ft ( 1200 Nm ) |
| Gear ratios: | MYD |
| First: | 4.03 |
| Second: | 2.36 |
| Third: | 1.53 |
| Fourth: | 1.15 |
| Fifth: | 0.85 |
| Sixth: | 0.67 |
| Reverse: | -3.06 |
| Maximum shift speed | 6200 rpm |
| Maximum Validated Weights: ( Target ) | GVW: 15000 lb ( 6803 kg ), GCVW: 21000 lb ( 9525 kg ) |
| 7-position quadrant: | P, R, N, D, X, X, X ( X = available calibratable range position ) |
| Case description: | 3-piece ( Bell, main, extension ) |
| Case material: | die cast aluminum |
| Shift pattern: | (2) Three-way on/off solenoids |
| Shift quality: | Five variable bleed solenoid |
| Torque converter clutch: | Variable Bleed Solenoid ECCC |
| Converter size: | 300mm ( reference ) |
| Fluid type: | DEXRON® VI |
| Fluid capacity: w/ 300mm converter | 300mm: 13.0L ( 10.8kg ) |
| Transmission weight: w/ 300mm converter | Wet: 109kg ( 240lb ) estimated |
| Pressure taps available: | line pressure |
| Assembly Site: | GMPT Ypsilanti, MI |
| GMPT Toledo, OH | |
| GMPT Silao, MX | |
| Applications: | Chevrolet Suburban H.D. |
| GMC Yukon XL H.D. | |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD | |
| GMC Sierra HD | |
| Cadillac CTS-V | |
| Chevrolet Express | |
| GMC Savana | |
| Available Control Features: | Multiple Shift Patterns ( Selectable ) |
| Driver Shift Control ( Tap Up / Tap Down ) | |
| Enhanced Performance Algorithm Shifting ( PAS ) | |
| Selectable Tow / Haul Mode | |
| Engine Torque Management On All Shifts | |
| Altitude and Temperature Compensation | |
| Adaptive Shift Time | |
| Neutral Idle | |
| Reverse Lockout | |
| Automatic Grade Braking | |
| Additional Features: | OBDII / EOBD |
| Integral Electro/Hydraulic Controls Module ( Tehcm ) | |
| Control Interface Protocol – GMLAN |
So, that begs the question — was the transmission rated to fit the engine output, or is the engine tuned to that output level because that is the maximum capability of the transmission?
Cadillac offers the 2011 CTS Sedan in 3L V6 or 3.6L V6 models. For sports driving, we want the larger, more powerful 304 hp 3.6L engine. The two 3.6L configurations are the 1SF Performance Model, and the 1SH Premium Model. Although it is always tempting to order a Cadillac ‘with everything’, let’s look at what you get when you select all of the sport features — the performance engine, the maximum suspension — without any of the bells and whistles that reflect in the higher price of the Premium Model.
2010 Cadillac CTS
The Cadillac CTS 1SF Performance Model starts at
Now, the good news is that this includes the Summer Tire Performance Package with the 19″ Polished wheels with summer performance tires, HID headlamps, fog lamps, performance cooling system, sport performance suspension, limited-slip differential, and performance brakes. The summer performance tire package also triggers the FE3 sport suspension.
What you don’t get
For true sports car appeal, these prices include the 6 speed manual transmission; the automatic is $1,300 extra. The Recaro Sport Seats are a tempting, but they require that the Performance Luxury Package and a number of other options, including Automatic transmission be selected. The Performance Model does not include the Navigation system, although you can add options that include it. For weight savings stay away from the sunroof option.
Finding a car at the Dealer
When shopping for this car, focus on the 19″ wheels and the 1SF designation. There is a RPO Y42 all-season tire Performance Package, and a RPO Y43 Summer Tire performance package; we want the Y43. It is not clear from the guide if the Y43 forces one to go to the Automatic transmission from some reason, but if so it includes paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Your Cadillac Dealer will be able to walk through the order system and advise.
Summary
Cadillac makes it fairly easy to home in on just the Performance options of the CTS by featuring these as a separate package. The total price of $42,930 brings a well equipped CTS Performance Sedan for less than the starting price of a BMW 528i, the least expensive 5-series. By focusing sharply on just the Performance options and keeping a tight reign on the urge to buy all the options, once can get a 3.6L CTS Performance Sedan for a great price out the door.