Category Archives: Cadillac News

Man our old LaSalle ran great… Learning to be Frugal

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Automobile News has an article / essay arguing that many auto dealers are finding that regular customers are trading ‘down’ — buying less expensive luxury cars to replace more expensive luxury cars.  Other buyers are shopping for used cars, or buying out their lease at the end of the lease.  Some buyers are focused on not giving the appearance of buying a new car — so they need the same model and color of car, or buy a less obviously ostentatious car, say a sedan instead of a convertible — so as not to appear to be doing well.  A related article is about how fewer people are financing cars, or financing less of the car deal, and F&I offices in dealerships are reducing staff.

Searching Google, there are thousands of hits for the phrase Frugal the new black.  Very popular topic, Frugality.

Is frugal the new ‘black’, meaning much more popular these days?  Many of the Generation that lived through the Great Depression in the United States (and the rest of the world for that matter) became stereotypically frugal for the rest of their lives.  Suddenly going from the heyday to rampant unemployment and food lines left a permanent memory of shortages, one they always kept in the back of their mind.  “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” was a household aphorism.

As more and more people learn to cut back on excess, pay off  their debts, and live within their means, is it possible that this will be a permanent sea change?  Will we see the market for new cars continue to stay at the current reduced levels, and the market for used cars continue to be at elevated levels?

How can we be frugal with our Cadillacs?

1) Wash and wax it yourself.  Savings:  up to $10/week
2) Keep your new car for 8-12 years instead of buying a new car every 4-5 years.  Savings:  up to the cost of a new Cadillac.
3)  Maintain your Cadillac; oil changes, oil filter, air filter are all easy to maintain and to learn to maintain.  Savings:  Around $30/oil change doing it yourself; about 1/2 for filters buying online vs buying retail.  A Helm’s shop manual (the official GM shop manuals) is invaluable for this — check ebay for used copies!
4) When you need new parts replaced that you can’t do yourself, ask if you can buy the part online and bring it to the Mechanic.
5) Keep visiting Caddyinfo.com for helpful advice and support.  Questions always welcome about your Cadillac.

Do you have other favorite Frugal Cadillac habits?

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum, for when you want more with less

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2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid Offers Unprecedented Combination Of Efficiency, Technology And Luxury In A Large SUV

Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac Escalade

DETROIT – Cadillac has launched the 2009 Escalade Platinum Hybrid, the most technically advanced large luxury SUV yet, blending the exclusive features of the Platinum model with the fuel-saving powertrain of the Escalade Hybrid. It delivers 20 mpg in city driving – a 50-percent city mileage improvement over non-hybrid models.

“This is the ultimate Escalade, combining the luxury features of the Platinum with the world’s first hybrid on a large luxury SUV,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “Along with the upcoming CTS Sport Wagon and SRX crossover, the Escalade Platinum Hybrid represents an opportunity for the changing priorities of luxury consumers who want dramatic design and technology combined with fuel efficiency and functionality.”

The Escalade’s two-mode hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy, while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. The limited-edition Escalade Platinum model includes other advanced technologies, such as light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps and Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control system.

Escalade Platinum Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 5,800 pounds (2,631 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,600 pounds (2,540 kg) on 4WD models.

GM’s patented two-mode hybrid technology

GM’s patented two-mode hybrid system consists of an advanced electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). These systems work in concert with the standard 6.0L V-8 Gen IV gasoline engine with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and late-intake valve closing (LIVC) technology.

The key to Escalade’s two-mode hybrid system is that the electric power used to propel the vehicle is generated by the hybrid system itself. When the brakes are applied or the vehicle is coasting, the electric motors within the hybrid system create electricity that is stored in the 300-volt battery. This stored energy is used to move the vehicle and the regenerative braking cycle is renewed.

Providing power to the hybrid’s electrically variable transmission’s (EVT) two electric motors is a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS). This battery pack is located under the second-row seat, where it takes up virtually no additional space and does not interfere with second- or third-row ingress/egress.

Additional features of the hybrid powertrain and supporting systems include:

* Fully blended regenerative braking to capture energy that would otherwise be lost during vehicle deceleration
* A 6.0L V-8 engine with Active Fuel Management and late intake valve closing (Atkinson-cycle combustion process) for reduced pumping losses and better overall fuel economy. It is rated at 332 horsepower (248 kW) and 367 lb.-ft. of torque (498 Nm) and runs on regular unleaded fuel
* Auto Stop mode. Once the vehicle reaches 0 mph, the gasoline engine automatically shuts down, leaving the engine off and allowing the vehicle to move only under electric power, such as during city driving or heavy stop-and-go traffic
* An exhaust system and resonator specially tuned for the 6.0L LIVC engine’s Active Fuel Management operation. It ensures comfortable interior acoustics and a pleasant exhaust note during both V-4 and V-8 operation
* An electrically driven, 300-volt air conditioning compressor reduces vibration and allows the HVAC system to cool the passenger compartment even when the gasoline engine is shut off. It includes the standard tri-zone climate system
* An electrically driven, 42-volt variable-assist power steering system reduces vibration and provides up to a 0.5-mpg fuel economy improvement by reducing parasitic losses common in belt-driven hydraulic systems
* The Energy Storage System cooling system’s internal fan is tuned to be quiet at low vehicle speeds, when the fan could more easily be heard by the occupants

The Escalade Platinum Hybrid’s battery pack durability and reliability are maintained via optimized charge and discharge cycles, as well as a dedicated cooling system that draws air from the passenger compartment. As part of the vehicle’s emission control system, the energy storage system is warranted for eight years/100,000 miles.

Exclusive package of luxury, style and technology

In the new Escalade Platinum Hybrid, the hybrid system’s efficiency is complemented by an exclusive package of luxury, style and technology, including:

* A distinctive front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac’s acclaimed CTS sport sedan
* Unique 22-inch wheels
* Magnetic Ride Control technology
* LED headlamps
* Exclusive interior appointments with Aniline leather
* DVD entertainment system with screens integrated in front-seat headrests

Magnetic Ride Control is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – “reading” the road in 1-millisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

The LED headlamps emulate the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, with a usable life more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs.

Inside the Escalade Platinum is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats; a heated steering wheel; and heated and cooled cupholders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front-seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof-mounted screen.

Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices. Also including is the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite Radio entertainment.

Evolving Cadillac fleet of luxury, fuel efficiency and functionality

The Escalade Platinum Hybrid joins an evolving fleet of Cadillacs that is focused on fuel efficiency and functionality, combined with dramatic design and advanced technology. Cadillac will launch the all-new SRX crossover this summer, with high levels of functionality and a 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine that delivers more horsepower and a 10-15-percent fuel economy improvement over the 3.6L engine it replaces. The CTS Sport Wagon will also launch this summer, with the same, fuel-efficient engine, as well as greater functionality than has ever been delivered by Cadillac’s core nameplate.

Best Cadillac skidpad results ever?

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I suppose the new CTS-V with magnetic ride suspension is the current Cadillac record holder for ‘official’ 200 foot skidpad performance at 0.92g (as measured by Edmund’s)

The previous CTS-V, XLR-V, STS-V as I have mentioned tended to top at 0.87g on a 200ft skidpad, although Motor Trend did manage to record a 0.90g with a 2005 CTS-V.

In a report on the 2006 XLR-V, Car & Driver notes that although they only measured a skidpad of 0.87g, Cadillac claimed a skidpad of 0.94g was attainable.  Since Cadillac and Car&Driver measure in different places (surfaces and atmosphere and method matter), then not a surprise that they might achieve different results.  But Cadillac’s claim would make the XLR-V the skidpad champion, and not the new CTS-V.

In a 2005 report, Road & Track summarized several V Series and non-V series models performance numbers:

2004 CTS 0.83 g
2004 CTS-V 0.87g
2005 STS 0.81g
2006 STS-V 0.88g (estimated)
2006 XLR 0.87g

In a model update 6/2006, Road & Track noted that the XLR-V would do 0.87g on the skidpad.

So, what we need is a no-holds barred V-Series face off, to determine who the best Cadillac corner carver is.   The test data seems to give the new CTS-V the nod, but until the Cadillac Sedan with the Cadillac Chassis and Corvette engine has gone head to head with the Cadillac Roadster with the Corvette Chassis and Cadillac engine, we just won’t know for sure.