Cadillac introduces Apple Car Play

Cadillac’s 2016 model year products will feature enhanced connectivity and control, including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the predominant new systems for in-car phone integration. These additions are part of a broader enhancement of CUE, Cadillac’s user experience, with new features and a faster, streamlined operation.

Apple CarPlay will debut in 2016 Cadillac models featuring CUE’s 8-in multi-touch screen except the SRX Crossover, a model that will move to an all-new generation in early 2016. Android Auto is expected to be phased into 2016 production at a later date. The 2016 model year will begin this summer.

“Cadillac’s product transformation includes continuing upgrades to connectivity and in-car technology,” says David Leone, Executive Chief Engineer. “In 2015 Cadillac became the first luxury brand to feature broad use of wireless charging and 4G LTE wi-fi connectivity, and now in 2016 we’re moving quickly to enhance phone integration and overall system performance.”

Phone Integration

Cadillac CUE provides owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A “Projection” icon will appear on the CUE screen, to enable simpler, easier access to key smartphone functions, including navigation, contacts, hands-free text messaging and select applications supported by Apple or Google.

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay.

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto.

Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a steering wheel button, helping drivers spend more time with eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. In addition, Cadillac added wireless charging and OnStar 4G LTE wi-fi service in the 2015 model year.

Both phone integration systems require the phone to be connected via USB. Apple CarPlay requires iOS 7.1 or higher or an iPhone 5 or later or higher, Android Auto requires Android Lollipop operating system.

CUE Enhancements

A more powerful processor will be added to CUE for all 2016 models, enabling faster system start-up, voice recognition, navigation searches, and media playing.

For the navigation system, the control structure has been simplified for easier destination entry and quicker destination searches. Map screens have been redesigned for easier use, including one-touch control of commonly used features like “muting” voiced navigation instructions and route cancellation.

For the Escalade, CTS and XTS product lines, the Cadillac CUE screen will add Surround Vision, a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s perimeter. Driving mode information will be expanded to the screen as well.

The all-new 2016 Cadillac CTS-V luxury performance sedan has a top speed of 320 km/h from its supercharged 6.2L V-8 640 hp engine and 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm). Equipped with Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting, the CTS-V will accelerate from 0-96 km/h in 3.7 seconds.

Cadillac announced  that Canadian dealers will begin accepting orders for the next-generation 2016 CTS-V, the all-new high-performance sedan that launches in late summer. The 640-hp CTS-V is the second of two all-new V-Series models to come to market in 2015, following the smaller ATS-V coupe and sedan, which launches in early summer.

Cadillac’s new 2016 V-Series models represent a significant expansion of the brand’s elite, high-performance line. Not only are the new V-Series cars elevated in terms of performance, they now reach a broader spectrum of drivers by presenting two distinct personalities, size categories and price points.

With a top speed of 320 km/h and 0-96 km/h performance in 3.7 seconds, the CTS-V is the most powerful car in Cadillac’s 112-year history. The 2016 CTS-V is priced from $91,685, plus a destination freight charge of $1,800. Customers can place orders now with dealers and view additional product information at Cadillac.ca.

The CTS-V elevates into the elite group of the world’s highest-performing sedans.

“V-Series represents the pinnacle of Cadillac, a brand that now makes drivers’ cars at the highest level,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The new CTS-V is essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car with awe-inspiring performance. This type of car is exclusive, the domain of the few who can access this level of incredible capability. V-Series matches or overtakes the finest cars in this elite class, while being more accessible.”

Segment-exclusive, third-generation Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest reacting suspension technology, is just one of many standard features and engineering enhancements offered in the 2016 CTS-V. The car includes a carbon fibre hood, Brembo brakes, 19-inch wheels wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, driver-selectable modes for touring, sport and track driving conditions, and performance-oriented, sueded microfiber accents and matte-finish carbon fibre trim.

Equipped with a 6.2L supercharged V-8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles, the CTS-V has more horsepower (640 hp/477 kW) and more torque (630 lb-ft/855 Nm) than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5L biturbo V-8 and the BMW M-series 4.4L TwinPower V-8.

The smaller ATS-V launch will precede the CTS-V. Also track-capable from the factory, the 464-hp ATS-V features the exclusive Cadillac Twin Turbo V-6 and 0-96 km/h acceleration of just 3.9 seconds. The 2016 ATS-V is priced from $65,750, plus a destination freight charge of $1,800, and presents high-performance capability in both coupe and sedan forms.

Cadillac ELR – Electrified Luxury Coupe

General Motors continues to expand its position as the Canadian leader in plug-in electric vehicle sales with the announcement that the new 2016 model year Cadillac ELR electrified luxury coupe will offer a host of upgrades, including boosts in acceleration, driving performance and connectivity.

“ELR’s combination of leading technology with remarkable design is unlike any other coupe in the luxury segment,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “For the upcoming model year our engineers have upgraded ELR, enhancing its driving performance for buyers seeking uncompromising luxury with electrification technology.”

Distinguished by a new grille and Cadillac’s new crest, the ELR features the first application of extended-range electric vehicle technology by a full-line luxury automotive brand. Pricing for the 2016 ELR will be announced at a later date. The ELR will be eligible for provincial incentives from the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

ELR continues to offer Regen on Demand, recipient of Green Car Journal’s 2014 Green Car Technology Award. Enhanced for the 2016 model to improve deceleration, Regen on Demand allows the driver to temporarily regenerate energy from the ELR’s momentum into electricity and store in the battery pack for later use.

The ELR offers a full driving range that combines pure electric driving and an efficient, range-extending 1.4L gasoline-powered engine-generator. It’s a combination that means most daily commutes will require zero gasoline with zero tailpipe emissions. Longer trips are free from electric-vehicle range anxiety because the ELR’s technology enables long-distance travel similar to vehicles powered only by a gasoline engine.

Using only the energy stored in the battery, the ELR will deliver an estimated range of about 60 kilometres (39 miles) of pure electric driving, depending on terrain, driving techniques and temperature, on a fully charged battery.

In addition to the 2016 ELR, Cadillac announced at the Shanghai Auto Show that it will expand its line-up by offering an available Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) propulsion system to its upcoming CT6 sedan. The new PHEV system is expected to more than double the fuel economy of the conventional powertrain offering. The CT6 PHEV takes advantage of the car’s advanced lightweight structure to create a unique formula for the prestige sedan. Full details on the CT6 in Canada will be released closer to the car’s introduction.

Mixture of aluminum and high-strength steel helps shed weight

Cadillac Saving Weight with new Mixed Material Structure

Cadillac will use an advanced mixed-material approach for the lightweight body structure of the upcoming CT6 range-topping sedan. The structure is aluminum intensive, but the new Cadillac also includes 13 different materials customized for each area of the car to simultaneously advance driving dynamics, fuel efficiency and cabin quietness.

The CT6 will debut March 31 at the New York International Auto Show and go into production late this year at General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant.

“This is the rocket science of automobile construction and manufacturing today,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “With the CT6, we used high-strength aluminum and high-strength steels; lightweight chassis components; we integrate aluminum and steel where it makes sense; we eliminate every gram of mass possible, while achieving world-class performance.”

Weight reduction helps improve fuel efficiency, contributes to desirable vehicle dynamics and aids in creating a more resilient passenger cell. Sixty-four percent of the CT6 body structure is aluminum, including all exterior body panels – and the mixed material approach saved 90 kg (198 pounds) compared to a predominately steel construction.

Thirteen complex high-pressure die cast components make up the lower structure of the CT6 body, along with aluminum sheets and extrusions. The vehicle underbody uses steel close-out panels on the lower structure to create a bank vault-quiet cabin without the added weight of extensive sound-deadening material, often used to compensate for aluminum panels in the occupant compartment.

“The structure of the CT6 is one of the most-advanced body systems we’ve ever produced,” said Travis Hester, Cadillac CT6 executive chief engineer. “The innovation surrounding our joining techniques have enabled us to create a vehicle structure with the highest torsional rigidity of any Cadillac while achieving one of the most mass-efficient vehicles in the segment.”

Cadillac in January revealed a series of high-technology material joining techniques that create a new methodology for assembling the CT6. These enabled engineers to design a completely new structure for which 21 patents are pending.

“This new construction approach has enabled us to produce a world-class vehicle that is larger in size and includes more standard equipment while achieving lower overall mass,” Hester said.

• High-strength steel is used strategically to reinforce the body structure, and is also used in conjunction with high-strength aluminum to create a safety cage surrounding the occupants.

• The structural portion of the B-pillar is constructed completely of high-strength steel, which was chosen to aid vehicle ingress, egress and visibility, in addition to mass savings and added cabin quietness.

• A high-strength aluminum impact bar was added to the rear of the vehicle, and a combination of high-strength aluminum and steel was used for front and side impact zones to further increase passenger safety in the event of collisions.

A combination of aluminum spot welds, steel spot welds, flow drill screws, self-piercing rivets, laser welding, aluminum arc welding and hundreds of feet of structural adhesive are all used in assembling the body of the CT6.

The all-new 2016 Cadillac CTS-V luxury performance sedan.

Track-capable from the factory, with sophisticated road manners

Cadillac today introduced the 2016 CTS-V, the most powerful product in the brand’s 112-year history and the newest entry in the elite class of the world’s highest-performing luxury cars.

Launching in late summer with 640 horsepower (477 kW), 630 lb-ft of torque (855 Nm) and a top speed of over 320 km/h, the new CTS-V reaches higher than its predecessors, leading Cadillac’s product-driven expansion and elevation. It is the third generation of the acclaimed luxury sports sedan that launched the elite V-Series a decade ago – and redefined Cadillac for a new generation of enthusiasts.

“V-Series represents the very best of the Cadillac brand – the pinnacle of our design and technical capabilities,” said Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac president. “The new CTS-V is the most compelling example of Cadillac’s product substance and brand trajectory. The new CTS-V soars into the stratosphere of the most exhilarating luxury cars.”

Comprehensive updates make the new CTS-V essentially two cars in one: a luxury sedan with sophisticated road manners and a track-capable sports car straight from the factory. It also introduces a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine backed by Cadillac’s paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting.

With more horsepower and torque than the Mercedes-Benz 5.5L biturbo V-8 and the BMW M-series 4.4L TwinPower (twin-turbo) V-8, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-96 km/h performance in 3.7 seconds.

The 2015 SRX is a daringly distinctive five-seat luxury crossover that serves up equal doses of refinement and exhilaration. From its striking exterior design to the available heated and ventilated seats, the SRX is pure Cadillac. Perhaps even more remarkable is the intuitive technology the SRX offers, such as the innovative Cadillac CUE¹ (Cadillac User Experience) infotainment system, Onstar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot², the convenient available rear vision camera and the available Bose^® Centrepoint^® surround sound speaker system.

On two 2015 models, Cadillac is offering front driver and passenger seats that can knead, roll and relax your back as you drive. An anti-fatigue option is also offered for the driver.

The 22-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats now have a luxury option with a massage seat that works in the upper shoulder area, back lumbar or cushion.

“Many Americans have the common misconception that massage is just a luxurious way to relax. The benefits of massage are actually wide-ranging, especially for those that work that monotonous daily grind behind a desk or the wheel of car,” said Dr. Leena S. Guptha, board chair, U.S. National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork.

While the seat is unable to provide the same experience as a trained practitioner, it can at least offer some comfort for a driver and passenger.

“This feature gives customers another way to improve their drive,” said Elizabeth Hayes, General Motors engineering group manager. “Once a massage setting is stored, a driver simply has to push the button and engage the luxury option. It is our goal to always find ways to make getting from point A to point B a little more pleasant.”

How it works

The massage seats’ settings can be stored in the car’s memory like the seat positions. With a toggle switch or activation button, both on the outboard base of the seats, the driver and front seat passenger can direct the illustration of adjustments on the infotainment screen. The desired massage and intensity can both be controlled from the screen.

Once the optimal massage is found, the driver can save the kneading, rolling or anti-fatigue setting by pressing the memory button on the door. Reactivation can then occur by simply pushing the button on the seat base.

The massage seat is available on the XTS Premium and Platinum Collections and on the Escalade Platinum Collection.

Cadillac is the only full-line automaker constructing all of its models’ interiors via Cut-and-Sew, a technique combining the precision of advanced technology with the care of handcraftsmanship in which materials for major interior components are literally joined by hand stitching.

“Put simply, Cut-and-Sew is people sitting behind sewing machines and sewing the material together,” said Eric Clough, director of design, Cadillac interiors. “We use Cut-and-Sew in Cadillacs because it is distinctive and a very premium process.”

Before pieces are sewn together to form the coverings for various interior components, materials and hides are hand-inspected and the patterns “nested” by a scrap-reducing computer-automated machine. These pieces are transferred to different stations for the hand-sewing of functional and decorative stitching. Application to the various interior parts – such as dashboards, door panels and center consoles – are also done by hand.

Lasers that cut the perforation for the airbag door and three-dimensional computer mapping that determines the best way to fit materials onto a certain interior piece fuse state-of-the-art technology with the human touch.

“Cut-and-Sew shows a level of craftsmanship and a level of care taken in creating a product,” said Erin Crossley, design manager, Cadillac colour and trim. “It gives something for the customer to connect with. You see the same kind of material detailing in other items luxury consumers value, like high-end furniture and leather handbags.”

While many luxury carmakers have used this technique for top-end models, no other brand applies them to all its cars. Cadillac offers Cut-and-Sewn interiors from its entry ATS product line up through to the Escalade SUV.

The Cadillac design and engineering teams work with several suppliers to craft the interiors, which are installed during final vehicle assembly.

“There are other mass-produced processes that are less expensive, more efficient and don’t require as many people, but when you see the real thing you know that it’s genuine,” Clough said.

Cadillac announced today that its new, high-technology car positioned at the top of its range will be called Cadillac CT6.

“The Cadillac CT6 continues our brand’s elevation and global growth,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer. “CT6 will constitute an entirely new approach to the prestige sedan, emphasizing a dynamic driving experience and advanced technology.”

When it launches in late-2015, the CT6 will expand the Cadillac range upwards – meaning it will not replace any current product. Positioned above today’s CTS and XTS product lines, the CT6 aims to join the elite group of top-class large luxury cars.

Currently in development, the new RWD-oriented sedan uses advanced, lightweight materials and new body construction techniques to reduce fuel consumption while enhancing driving dynamics and safety.

“This Cadillac will be the lightest and most agile car in the class of top-level large luxury sedans,” said Travis Hester, executive chief engineer, Cadillac CT6. “Using the lessons learned from our dynamic ATS and CTS product lines, we have developed an entirely new vehicle architecture for the CT6. It will employ a mixed material philosophy that combines the best and most efficient components optimized for each area of this new top-of-the-range car.”

The model name CT6 is derived from Cadillac’s use of CTS for its centerpiece carline, the current version of which is Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2014, Road & Track’s Best Luxury Sedan and one of Car and Driver’s “10Best.” The name also indicates a coming shift to a simplified naming convention for future Cadillac models. Under this strategy, familiar lettering like “CT” would be used for car models, with the number indicating the relative size and position of the cars in the hierarchy of Cadillac models.

“As we expand the portfolio, we can assist consumers in placing the cars within a structure, as they compare cars both within our showroom and across the market generally,” Ellinghaus said. “However, this will be an evolutionary process – we will only change a product’s name when the product itself is redesigned or an all-new model is created, as in this instance.”

The Cadillac CT6 will be assembled in Detroit, part of a previously announced $384 million investment in the Detroit-Hamtramck plant. Tools and equipment unique to the CT6 were installed recently at the plant. Production is slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015.