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Power and Ice — a delicate mix #Motorama

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Although it may seem counter-intuitive, my large, performance-focused rear-wheel drive Cadillac STS-V handled just fine in the ice we got here in the Dallas area.

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With my Roadster taking up all the warm garage space, the STS-V was left to brave the cold on the driveway, which disappeared under about an inch of ice.

The only issue when we did manage to get out on the roads was ground clearance — when only ruts were available as traffic dug through the ice and shifted it to the center of the road then the STS-V aero underbelly would plow the center ice a bit.

The Stabilitrak and traction control help with keeping things in hand when they might otherwise get out of hand.  I also used the performance manual-automatic shifting option to start in 2nd gear in some cases, making it easier to ease forward off the ice.

As always, let caution be your guide of course, and assume anyone else you see out on the ice needs plenty of room to maneuver.

All in all the STS-V did very well and I would not hesitate to take it out again in foul weather.

Cadillac Sales head into the Holidays up 11%

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Cadillac sales in November 2013 broke 16 thousand vehicles, up 11% over the same period in 2012.

SRX again led all models, at 4,813 sold.  ATS and XTS both kept stride at 3,400+ sold.
CTS sales were down slightly as the new upgraded models arrive at dealers, and recognizing that the new model is more upmarket.

  November (Calendar Year-to-Date)
January – November
  2013 2012 %Change Volume   2013 2012 %Change Volume  
ATS 3,443 2,152 60.0   34,432 4,029 754.6  
CTS 2,643 2,798 -5.5   29,126 43,607 -33.2  
Escalade 1,100 960 14.6   11,122 11,244 -1.1  
Escalade ESV 651 693 -6.1   7,175 7,156 0.3  
Escalade EXT 95 156 -39.1   1,906 1,678 13.6  
SRX 4,823 5,340 -9.7   50,702 51,085 -0.7  
XTS 3,417 2,414 41.5   29,889 12,110 146.8  
Cadillac Total* 16,172 14,517 11.4   164,378 131,534 25.0  

Overall Cadillac continues a great year, up 25% year to date.

2014 Cadillac XTS VSport Platinum Day 2

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Saturday with the XTS was a breeze of course — the Cadillac is perfectly competent with plentiful, smooth power delivery and grace.  Crest Cadillac is my host for the weekend test drive; read about the pickup here.

Click on any of the photos in the gallery to zoom in, and to flip through the gallery.

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It is hard to photo well, but the tail light actually extends enough behind the rear to clearly form a tail fin reminiscent of the iconic 60s Cadillacs.

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This photo captures the entry to the driver’s seat illumination at night in the Platinum version, which is Cadillac terminology for over-the-top luxury models.

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I think these are the best rear-view mirrors I have seen on recent cars — they are perfectly shaped and sized and provide a huge view ports.  This has been a pet peeve of mine on some recent models who favor small horizontal rectangles for mirrors at the cost of being able to see clearly.   These work very well.

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The Platinum has the full driver assist options, including augmented reality backup camera, front and rear proximity warning systems, automatic headlight dim control, lane change warning, and multiple-color, adjustable, customizable heads-up display.

What would I change about the XTS?

  • More advertising — Cadillac is doing a poor job of getting more info out about the XTS, and especially the new AWD XTS VSport and Platinum VSport Models.
  • The rear windows have roll-up shades, which makes the car cooler inside.  It also makes the windows a bit difficult to see through at night or in the evening.

What is my favorite feature?

  • The power plant: Twin-Turbo 3.6L DOHC VVT DI V6 with 410 hp with AWD

Tomorrow will start with an early breakfast run, then Church.  Stay Tuned for more real world impressions.