Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, 2012

 

 

•  Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am, 2012

After making its track debut at home in Fiorano, the Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am will be back in action on 26 and 27 July, 2011 for a private test session at Florida's Daytona International Speedway. Taking turns at the wheel will be the tried and tested duo of Jaime Melo and Toni Vilander who can pride themselves of having an extensive list of wins to their name in Ferraris. They will continue development work on the Ferrari 458 Italia Grand Am in preparation for its participation in the 2012 American championship.

The Ferrari 458 Grand Am is built to match the American regulations and is therefore different to the European car, especially in that it develops 500 horsepower and has less efficient aerodynamics than the GT version. It is also fitted with a 48 mm restrictor and maximum revs are 8000. Significant modifications have been made to the braking system, as the car has neither ABS nor traction control. Other differences to the GT3 include the roll-over bar which gives greater lateral protection to increase safety in a series in which collisions are rather more frequent. The car is fitted with tyres from Continental, the sole supplier to the series, featuring a very hard compound, again to conform with the series regulations. On its shakedown today, it completed a good number of trouble-free laps, 45 to be precise in the hands of Maurizio Mediani and Jaime Melo, as they took turns at the wheel.

Daytona recalls many memories of past Ferrari victories in the famous 24 Hour race, the company having close links with this important event. In fact, Ferrari has taken part in 47 of these endurance races, winning five of them outright as well as taking 15 class wins.

Standing out in that list was an amazing clean sweep of the podium in 1967 for the two Ferrari 330 P4 and a 412 N.A.R.T., while back in 1962, Phil Hill and Ricardo Rodriguez won in a Dino 246 SP. That year, no less than four Ferraris finished in the top ten while in 1972, Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx won in a 312 PB.

Eterniti Artemis, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Eterniti Artemis, 2013

Eterniti Motors, the London-based boutique luxury carmaker, unveiled the engineering prototype of its first car at Beijing's Auto China 2012 international motor show.

The vehicles on display are in-use, running prototypes so do not represent the final finish quality but do closely reflect the definitive interior and exterior styling.

The car, named Artemis, is the world's first Super-SUV - a term created by Eterniti for a new class of vehicle providing the higher levels of luxury, performance and exclusivity demanded by today's wealthy car buyers but which have not been available until now.

The car's production by summer 2012, beating Bentley, Lamborghini and Maserati's luxury SUV offerings to market. Orders can be taken now through Eterniti's sales operations in Europe (London) and Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong and Taipei), for deliveries starting in autumn 2012.

The car has a limousine-like rear cabin featuring up to 100mm of additional legroom, twin reclining rear seats with heating and cooling, iPad-ready holders with electronic reveal, and a drinks chiller. This satisfies a specific need, particularly in Asian markets, for a car suitable for both being chauffeured in and driving for pleasure. Unlike a conventional limousine, an SUV can offer excellent handling and driver appeal, and the ride height and ruggedness are suitable for poor road surfaces which can make limousines and conventional high-performance cars completely impractical. The Eterniti Artemis is the ultimate crossover.

The interior is lavishly handcrafted, with a specification also including the finest leathers, quilted undercarpets and boot trim, lambswool rugs, veneers including natural woods, piano black and carbon fibre, a choice of sunroofs and starlight roof lining, and a state-of-the-art audio system.

The body panels are carbon composite and hand-built, and finished in a large choice of paint colours, complemented by different chrome trim styles. Ultra-low profile 315/25 tyres sit on dedicated 23" super-lightweight forged alloy rims in a variety of styles.

The 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces over 600bhp (441kW) and 750Nm (553 lb ft) torque, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 secs and can exceed 290 km/h. Performance and handling have been developed by a race-bred British engineering team led by Alastair Macqueen. Macqueen previously developed to production the Jaguar XJ220, then the world's fastest road car, and has engineered three outright Le Mans 24 Hour race wins for Jaguar and Bentley.

The car has been test-driven by F1 Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert, who will play an ongoing role in product development as well as being an ambassador for the brand.

With a similar specification to the Beijing show vehicles the Eterniti Artemis is priced at the local currency equivalent of £210,000 plus local taxes in all markets except China, which will have a unique pricing strategy. A fully bespoke service will also be offered for customers wanting complete personalisation.

Eterniti is establishing a network of wholly-owned showrooms in key centres. Its London headquarters also has an atelier and a build facility where vehicles can be created and hand-built on-site to any specification. The facilities will be completed by July 2012, followed later in the year by Eterniti-owned showrooms in Taipei and Hong Kong, which will serve as the company's Asia-Pacific hub, with Tokyo following in 2013. The company is actively looking for retail partners to develop representation in China during 2013.

Dodge Charger Daytona, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Dodge Charger Daytona, 2013

The 2013 Dodge Charger R/T is one of the best performance sedan values on the US market, and now it's about to get even more distinctive. Debuting at the 2012 Los Angeles International Auto Show is the re-introduction of the legendary Dodge Charger Daytona. Available in Charger R/T and Charger R/T Road & Track trim levels, the 2013 Dodge Charger Daytona brings back the unique style of the historic Daytona package with all the modern performance and technology offered in the current Charger line-up. Just 2,500 units of the Daytona will be produced in this limited-production run.

Available in a unique color palette of Daytona Blue, Bright White, Billet Silver or Pitch Black, the Daytona package features special dark trim that builds upon the Charger's iconic muscle car design. Satin Black adorns the front crosshair grille with heritage "R/T" badge, the custom vinyl hood graphic, roof wrap, rear R/T spoiler and the "DAYTONA" graphic on the rear quarter panels. The Daytona features exclusive 20-inch five-spoke polished aluminum wheels with Gloss Black painted pockets.

The Daytona models also include a 'Daytona Blue' engine cover, performance 3.06 rear axle ratio, high-speed engine controller, paddle shifters with sport mode and performance steering and suspension.

The Dodge Charger Daytona's interior on the Road & Track features unique black performance Nappa leather and suede heated and ventilated seats with Daytona Blue stitching and piping. Similarly, the Daytona on the R/T offers the same appearance in a custom sport cloth seat. "DAYTONA" is embroidered in blue into the upper front seat backs. Unique dark brushed aluminum trim surrounds the 8.4-inch Uconnect Touch screen and gauges on the instrument panel, as well as the trim around the shifter and cup holders on the center console. Finishing touches include a Mopar bright pedal kit, a 552-watt 10-speaker Beats Audio System, and a special numbered "DAYTONA" badge on the instrument panel that features the build number of that specific Dodge Charger Daytona model.

Built at Chrysler Group LLC's Brampton, Ontario, assembly plant, the 2013 Charger Daytona arrives at Dodge dealerships nationwide in the first quarter of 2013 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $32,990 for R/T and $36,495 for R/T Road &Track Daytona models.

Dacia Lodgy, 2013

 

 

 

•  Dacia Lodgy, 2013

 Dacia is flouting convention by offering genuine five- and seven-seater variants of the new Dacia Lodgy from just €9,900, a revolutionary price for a car of this type.

SPACIOUS AND PRACTICAL
Lodgy is stamped with Dacia's trademark DNA: unbeatable value for money, reliability and practicality. Measuring 4.5 metres in length and 1.75 in width, Dacia Lodgy's contours and proportions above all reflect its size and strength. With the grille moulded around the Dacia logo and sharp lines that highlight the sculptured wheel arches, Lodgy provides a preview of Dacia's new corporate look. Optimal use of Lodgy's generous external dimensions has created a roomy interior, with the result that each of its seven seats can accommodate a passenger in total comfort. The third row features class-leading space in terms of knee and head room (144 and 866mm respectively), which is more than enough to seat two adults comfortably. The two rearmost seats are equipped with Isofix fittings, so that child seats and booster cushions can be attached safely and securely. Lodgy's modular interior is particularly versatile. In seven-seat configuration, the third-row bench seat can be removed completely or else folded up against the front seat backs, depending on the requirements of the moment.

The size of Dacia Lodgy's spacious boot will not come as a surprise to those who are familiar the Dacia brand. Indeed, it one of the biggest in its segment, with capacity ranging from 2,617dm3 in two-seat configuration, to 827dm3 as a five-seater and 207dm3 when all seven seats are installed. Lodgy also features 30 litres of storage space in the cabin, in the form of various pockets and cubbies. Of particular note are the new, three-litre area on top of the dashboard and, in the back, a drinks holder and large storage pocket.

A DACIA FOR THE TODAY'S GENERATION
Dacia Lodgy heralds the arrival of a new generation of Dacia vehicles, a range that will benefit from attractively designed interiors and modern equipment. Great care has been taken to express the cars' inherent strengths, with sophisticated materials featuring ever more widely as you move up the range (notably chrome detailing), high quality fit-and-finish and ergonomically placed controls. In line with Dacia's philosophy, standard features are added in a straightforward, comprehensible manner as you move up the range. As always, the specification is carefully tailored to stick as closely as possible to what customers really want.

Innovative, practical technology
Dacia Lodgy features a brand-new multimedia system: MEDIA NAV. Competitively priced in the brand's tradition, at an unbeatable €430, MEDIA NAV incorporates a radio, auxiliary sockets (for MP3 players, etc), Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation via a seven-inch (18cm) touch-sensitive display. The main menu permits simple access to six essential functions: radio, media, telephone, route map, satellite navigation and settings. Thanks to Bluetooth® technology, drivers can make hands-free telephone calls and synchronise their contacts book and previous call registry. It is also possible to audio-stream remote music players through the car's own speaker system. Furthermore, there is the option of connecting an iPod or smartphone through USB or jack sockets located on the dash panel. They can be operated via either the touch-sensitive display or the steering wheel-mounted controls, while track titles are displayed on the MEDIA NAV screen.

The intuitive navigation system has both 2D and 3D (Birdview) graphics. A dedicated website enables drivers to access information updates and upload them via the USB port.

In keeping with the spirit of the Dacia brand, which makes a point of providing customers with equipment they really need, a second multimedia option is available: Dacia-Plug&Radio.

This system features a new radio with large screen, an MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth® technology, dash-mounted USB and jack sockets and steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote controls.

Dacia Lodgy incorporates another feature that is new to the Dacia range - a speed limiter, available on higher trim specifications. This device permits drivers to programme a maximum speed they do not want to exceed, enabling journeys to be completed in stress-free safety.

And while on the subject of giving customers a range of technology suited to their needs, some versions of Lodgy are fitted with rear parking sensors - a practical touch on large vehicles of this type.

A REVISED ENGINE RANGE
Dacia Lodgy is available with a selection of petrol and diesel engines that suit the needs of customers in all the countries where the model is marketed. There are two petrol engines: the 1.6 MPI and the new, turbocharged TCe 115 with direct fuel injection. The TCe 115 represents the Renault Group's very best petrol engine technology, including the turbocharged, direct-injection combination first introduced with the Mégane and Scénic Collection 2012 line-ups. With its 1.2-litre capacity, but the kind of performance more usually associated with a 1.6, the TCe 115 combines an impressive driving experience with excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. There are also two diesels, both based on the 1.5 dCi block that has received worldwide acclaim for its reliability and performance. The dCi 90 and dCi 110 powerplants qualify for the Dacia eco² signature - a symbol of low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Widely acknowledged by customers and the media, reliability is a core element of Dacia Lodgy's DNA. Like other members of the Dacia family, the newcomer benefits from technology that is well proven on other Renault Group vehicles. During pre-launch endurance tests, the equivalent of 1.9 million kilometres was covered in extremely demanding climates and conditions: the result is a car with a comprehensive range of features and peerless reliability.

Citroen C1, 2013

 

 

 

•  Citroen C1, 2013

The popular Citroën C1 has a sparkling new look and even greater buyer appeal for 2012. The brand's entry-level city car has already attracted over 620,000 customers worldwide, with more than 80,000 sold in the UK since its launch in 2005. Now, with new styling, enhanced levels of equipment and a more frugal engine, the New C1 sets an even higher benchmark in the segment.

New features include CO2 emissions from just 99g/km, LED daytime running lights, a CD audio system with Citroën's integrated Connecting Box (Bluetooth® system with USB socket) and an Electronic Gearbox System with steering-mounted paddles.

Making its world debut at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show on 10 January, the New Citroën C1 will be available in the UK from April 2012.

A PRACTICAL, USER-FRIENDLY CITY CAR
At just 3.44m long, the New C1 remains the most compactmodel in the Citroën range. Available in both 3-door and 5-door guise from launch, the New C1 appeals as one of the most economical and ecological city cars on the market, but it still has the ability to transport four adults in comfort and boasts a plethora of storage compartments in the dashboard, central console and door panels. Boot volume can also be adjusted thanks to folding rear seats and ranges from 139 litres to over 700 litres. The New C1's compact dimensions make it the ideal travelling companion, offering an agile and responsive ride, perfectly tailored for urban and city driving. A turning circle of just 9.63 metres makes the New Citroën C1 incredibly easy to manoeuvre in city traffic.
UP TO 65.7 MPG & 99 G/KM OF CO2

Agile and frugal, the New Citroën C1 is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine developing 68hp. Equipped with a manual gearbox, the New Citroën C1 1.0i boasts improved fuel economy of up to 65.7mpg over a combined cycle. Emissions are also improved, to just 99g/km of CO2, making the New C1 congestion charge exempt. As well as being the first Citroën petrol model to emit less than 100g/km of CO2, the New C1 is also available with an Electronic Gearbox System complete with steering-mounted paddle controls for enhanced handling and driving pleasure. This EGS version delivers an impressive 62.8 mpg (combined) and emits only 104g/km of CO2.

EVEN MORE CHARACTER ON THE OUTSIDE
The New Citroën C1 gains even more appeal and personality through its new front end and shorter bonnet.

The headlights keep their rounded shape, while the front bumper has been entirely redesigned to house fog lights and LED daytime running lights, which are still a rarity in the segment. The vertical design LED light signature - which is specific toCitroën and can also be seen on DS3 and C4 AIRCROSS - strengthens the character of the new model. At the rear, New C1 retains its innovative glass tailgate and features the brand's new chevrons and badging.

New C1 also gains new 'Notus' design 14" wheels and is available with 'Rift' 14" alloy wheels, as standard, on top of the range models.

ATTRACTIVE COLOURS & MATERIALS
The playful New Citroën C1 comes in a special launch colour that already adorns the C3 and DS3: Botticelli blue, a fresh-looking body colour included in the 2012 catalogue. The range of body colours also includes Scarlet red, Electra blue, Lipizzan white, Caldera black and two grey tones - one light, Gallium grey, and one dark, Carlinite grey.Citroën has also finished the grille with a chrome strip available from the mid-range trim level. The New Citroën C1 is as attractive inside as it is from the exterior. The leather steering wheel for EGS models has been redesigned, while manual gearbox versions get a new-look gearstick. Most models are available with stylish new 'Orsai' upholstery and entry-level models come with Mistral 'Nokimat' cloth. A Leather/Alcantara® option is now available, adding a high-end touch to the New C1 interior.

NEW 'CRÉATIVE TECHNOLOGIE' EQUIPMENT
The New Citroën C1 comes with a range of 'Créative Technologie' features. Technological treats, just for the driver, include steering-mounted paddle controls for the Electronic Gearbox System - a first for the C1. For even greater travelling comfort, the radio offering has been enhanced by a new facia matching the styling of the dashboard. Featuring a time display, the all-new CD audio system comes with a Connecting Box (optional from the second trim level and standard on top of the range models), which is able to read all MP3 formats and is equipped with a Bluetooth® function. It is accompanied by USB and jack hook-ups at the base of the central console.

ENHANCED WELL-BEING & SAFETY
The New Citroën C1 is a versatile performer. Complementing its existing on-road abilities, the model features new power steering settings and shock absorbers for more agility and ride comfort at low speeds. The new model will be available with a range of technologies for safer urban driving, including ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Isofix anchorage points and ESP.

WORLD DEBUT IN BRUSSELS
The New Citroën C1 will make its official debut at the 2012 Brussels Motor Show.

Chrysler 300 Glacier, 2013

 

 

•  Chrysler 300 Glacier, 2013

Through lifestyle driven models, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 continues to show the numerous personalities that are capable from its elegant and iconic design. Beginning with the ultimate in muscle - Chrysler 300 SRT8, the ultimate in luxury - new Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Luxury Edition, the ultimate audiophile - Chrysler 300S with Beats by Dr. Dre, and now arriving in time to tackle winter, the ultimate all-weather athlete - the new Chrysler 300 Glacier.

From cruising through the city, to escaping away to a snow-covered ski resort, the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier has a commanding design presence and the power and all-weather capability to carve through some of the most snow-covered landscapes.

With its state-of-the-art eight-speed automatic transmission, steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters, and a more powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with new sport-tuned exhaust and cold-air induction system delivering 300 horsepower — the new 2013 Chrysler 300 Glacier delivers best-in-class fuel economy (18 mpg city / 27 mpg highway, while providing maximum all-weather traction, efficiency and driving performance through the segment's most advanced AWD system. For even more power, the new Chrysler 300 Glacier offers the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with four-cylinder mode Fuel Saver Technology to deliver 363 horsepower and up to 23 mpg highway.

The Chrysler 300 Glacier's AWD system features a segment-exclusive active transfer case and front-axle-disconnect system to improve real-world fuel economy. No other major automotive manufacturer offers the combination of these two independent technologies. Chrysler 300's innovative AWD system seamlessly transitions between rear-wheel drive and AWD with no driver intervention. When AWD is not required, the system automatically disconnects the front axle to maximize fuel economy while still providing the outstanding fun-to-drive performance and handling inherent in rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Building on the avant-garde appearance of the Chrysler 300S model, the new 300 Glacier features contemporary exterior and interior styling elements for a flagship sedan that delivers refinement within its landmark design. Hinting that this Chrysler 300 sedan was born with an ice-cool demeanor - unique body-color fascia accents, along with Gloss Black mirrors, headlamp bezels and Black Chrome sculpted horizontal grille blades give the Glacier a low-key street presence. Emphasizing the Chrysler 300 Glacier's iconic silhouette and head-turning proportions even more is an all-new Gloss Black painted roof option. Filling this AWD sedan's wheel wells and aiding in its world-class handling are unique 19-inch eight spoke aluminum wheels finished in Satin Carbon with P235/55R19 all-season performance tires. Exterior paint colors for this Chrysler 300 include Bright White, Billet Silver Metallic and exclusively to this model, Glacier Blue Pearl Coat.

The interior of the Chrysler 300 Glacier exudes an athletic-luxury theme with 12-way power driver and passenger sport seats featuring black "Falls" cloth in the seat centers and leather-wrapped bolsters in black and finished with black French-seamed stitching. Exclusive use of Piano Black on interior center stack, instrument panel, steering wheel, gauge cluster and door panel elements provide a uniquely lacquered and highly detailed appearance. For even more spirited driving die-cast steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters with "sport mode" are ergonomically designed behind the 300 Glacier's black leather-wrapped thick-rimmed steering wheel. Completing the enthusiast-designed interior are matte carbon hydrographic accents and black floor mats with black velour binding and "Glacier" logo embroidered.

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE, 2013

 

 

•  Chevrolet Camaro 1LE, 2013

The road-racing-inspired Chevrolet Camaro 1LE performance package returns for 2013 with unique gearing, suspension tuning and tires that make the model capable of more than 1 g of lateral acceleration and a sub-three minute lap time at Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course. It is offered on Camaro SS coupes with manual transmissions.

The 1LE package is offered on 1SS and 2SS coupe models with an exclusive Tremec TR6060-MM6 six-speed manual transmission. Paired with a numerically higher 3.91 final-drive ratio, the close-ratio gearing of the transmission is tuned for road-racing performance. As with the ZL1, the 1LE transmission features a standard air-to-liquid cooling system for track use.

The Chevrolet Camaro 1LE also features exclusive, monotube rear dampers instead of the twin-tube dampers on SS models. The new hardware allowed engineers to tune the 1LE suspension to focus on optimal body-motion control while preserving much of the ride quality and wheel-motion control of the Camaro SS.

Other changes to optimize the 1LE for track-day use:

• Larger, 27-mm solid front stabilizer bar, and 28-mm solid rear stabilizer bar for improved body control
• Higher-capacity rear-axle half shafts to cope with increased levels of traction
• Strut tower brace for improved steering feel and response
• ZL1-based 20 x 10-inch front and 20 x 10-inch aluminum wheels
• 285/35ZR20 Goodyear Eagle Supercar G:2 tires front and rear (identical to the front tires for ZL1)
• ZL1 wheel bearings, toe links and rear shock mounts for improved on-track performance
• ZL1 high-capacity fuel pump and additional fuel pickups for improved fuel delivery during high-load cornering.

Visually, the 1LE package is distinguished by its matte black hood, front splitter and rear spoiler - as well as the 10-spoke ZL1-based wheels, which are finished in black. The functional front splitter and rear spoiler contribute to the car's on-track performance by helping to reduce aerodynamic lift at high speeds.

Inside, the Chevrolet Camaro 1LE package incorporates the ZL1's flat-bottom steering wheel, trimmed in sueded-microfiber and designed for easier heel-and-toe driving on the racetrack. The quick-acting, short-throw shifter from the ZL1 is also trimmed in sueded-microfiber.

In anticipation of consumers entering the 1LE in amateur-racing events, Chevrolet is pursuing SCCA approval of the 1LE package for Touring Class competition.

The first Chevrolet Camaro 1LE package was introduced in 1988, inspired by Camaro's involvement in Pro-Am road racing.

Cadillac XTS, 2013

 

 

 

 

•  Cadillac XTS, 2013

The newest addition to the Cadillac luxury sedan lineup. It arrives in showrooms in U.S. and Canadian showrooms in the spring of 2012 as the most technologically advanced production car in the brand's history.

The new Cadillac XTS delivers the space, elegance and dramatic presence that are Cadillac signatures, but with entirely new and technically advanced methods tuned for a new generation of luxury customers. It also marks the debut of CUE, a comprehensive in-vehicle experience that merges intuitive design with auto industry-first controls and commands for information and media control.

In addition to the CUE interface and connectivity, many other advanced technologies are integral to the new XTS. It will be the only luxury sedan with standard Magnetic Ride Control - the world's fastest-reacting suspension. Advanced technologies that enhance vision and safety surround the driver are available as well.

Positioned directly above the centerpiece CTS family in Cadillac's revamped lineup, the new XTS features a 3.6L direct injection engine and advanced all-wheel drive system, marking a shift to more-efficient performance in a spacious luxury sedan.

Cadillac CUE is the highly customizable user interface that exemplifies XTS' blend of advanced technology and artistic design. The heart of CUE, which stands for Cadillac User Experience, is the standard eight-inch (203 mm) screen in the "center stack," the faceplate below the screen and the steering wheel controls. CUE features several industry firsts, including capacitive-touch control with proximity sensing, gesture recognition and natural voice recognition.

Available exclusively on the Cadillac XTS is the 12.3-inch (312 mm) reconfigurable cluster. It features vibrant graphic displays showcased among four driver-selectable themes, ranging from minimal to extensive information. And while it is the prominent element in the XTS' technological character, CUE is part of a more comprehensive and layered approach to the car's design, capabilities and performance

Highlights :
    Advanced Haldex all-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled limited-slip differential
    Magnetic Ride Control, rear air suspension, HiPer Strut front suspension and Brembo brakes - all standard
    Standard 19-inch wheels and available 20-inch wheels
  Direct-injected 3.6L V-6 with lightweight features, including integrated cylinder heads/exhaust manifolds
    Capless fuel tank filler for easier, cleaner refueling
    Folding rear-seat headrests that enhance rear visibility
    Safety Alert Seat that vibrates to alert the driver
    Intervening braking system that lessens or avoids potential collisions
    Short- and long-range radar systems that support:
    Adaptive Cruise Control
    Front and Rear Automatic Brakes
    Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The XTS is also the most-spacious Cadillac sedan, tailored to provide roominess in a more efficiently sized package. It offers more interior space than midsize luxury cars and comparable to full-size sedans, particularly in the rear seat area, where it has 40 inches (1,016 mm) of rear legroom. That's about four more inches than the BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class and about two more inches than the Audi A6 - and comparable to larger sedans.

And when it comes to trunk space, the Cadillac XTS is in a league of its own, with 18 cubic feet (509 L), exceeding both midsize and full-size competitors - more than Audi A6 and A8 L, BMW 5 and 7-Series and Mercedes-Benz E- and S-Class. For XTS customers, the cargo advantage means room for five or more suitcases.

Technology reinforces multidimensional design philosophy
Cadillac XTS' hardware and spatial dimensions are the foundational layers that support a new level of surface detail. Multidimensional exterior and interior elements, including the grille, headlamps and new use of accent lighting, coalesce to give the XTS a presence and attention to detail unlike any Cadillac that has come before it.

CUE, for example, represents the pinnacle of technology, but it is being showcased using a subtle and sophisticated interior appearance that blends with other features to create a soothing and inviting feel. It offers more capability and driver-selectable choices than ever before from Cadillac, but the center stack has only seven buttons - three of them for the radio. That's less than half the controls found on the center stack of the typical car.

The Cadillac XTS' surface details also convey a more-nuanced design philosophy, with elements that support the long, sleek proportion that is a welcome return to Cadillac. They bring forward more beauty and elegance with refined, graceful forms and surfaces working harmoniously with established Cadillac linear forms. It is a car that conveys the next step in Cadillac form and surface vocabulary.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum is the fullest expression of Cadillac's multidimensional philosophy, with features that include a chrome/satin-chrome grille finish, polished 20-inch aluminum wheels with chrome inserts, a fully wrapped leather interior with Alcantara headliner and more.

Advanced safety features based on 'control and alert' strategy
The Cadillac XTS' technology fundamentally supports a suite of advanced safety features, based on a "control and alert" strategy that extends the vision around the vehicle. It helps drivers identify potential crash situations and even intervenes when a crash threat appears more imminent, employing layers of visual, audible and tactile (vibration) alerts, depending on the alert feature.

The alerts are designed to identify obstacles with sufficient warning to give the driver time to react and make changes - including the Safety Alert Seat feature, which vibrates either the left or right side of the driver's seat cushion, depending on the location of the impending concern. The intervening features, including Automatic Collision Preparation, take over if the threat appears more immediate or the driver does not react to previous alerts.

Two levels of control-and-alert protection are offered in the Cadillac XTS' Enhanced Safety Strategy (ESS) packages.

ESS I:
    Lane Departure Warning
    Forward Collision Alert
    Safety Alert Seat
    Side Blind Zone Alert
    Rear Cross Traffic Alert
    Reflected LED display.

ESS II includes all ESS I content plus:
    Head-up display (in color)
    Front and Rear Automatic Brake
    Adaptive Cruise Control
    Automatic Collision Preparation

Cadillac XTS also features OnStar as standard. OnStar service also includes myCadillac and OnStar myLink mobile apps, whichoffer vehicle information and OnStar services via the customer's smartphone.

AWD and Magnetic Ride Control support new driving experience

A layered approach to the driving experience relies on new and established technologies - all rooted in a stiff structure. The body is infused with strategically placed ultra-high-strength steel for strength and crash protection and serves as the foundation for the advanced-chassis system.

A smart Haldex all-wheel-drive system - with an electronic limited-slip differential that splits torque between the rear wheels - complements an advanced HiPer Strut front suspension and standard Magnetic Ride Control real-time damping to give the Cadillac XTS sure-footed, confident and comfortable ride and handling traits. A linked H-arm design with "air springs" comprises the rear suspension.

HiPer Strut is based on the MacPherson strut front suspension design and features dual-path top mountings that separate the transfer of spring and damper loads to the body structure. It improves ride-and-handling characteristics in four significant ways:
    Provides more linear and communicative steering through improved camber control
    Improves impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces
    Reduces torque steer
    Improves vehicle sensitivity to tire irregularities and wheel imbalance.

Magnetic Ride Control delivers precise body motion control - "reading" the road every millisecond and changing damping in just five milliseconds. It replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a magneto-rheological fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on all models, along with variable-effort steering and Brembo four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel antilock brakes - all features that add important layers of control to the driving experience. Like Magnetic Ride Control, Cadillac XTS borrows the Brembo braking technology from Cadillac's V-Series of high performance models.

Horsepower for the Cadillac XTS comes from an advanced 3.6L V-6 that's known by its "LFX" engine code. It is rated at an estimated 300 horsepower (224 kW). Lightweight features help reduce overall weight for greater efficiency and a more favorable front-to-rear weight balance. Examples include a composite intake manifold saves approximately 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) over the weight of a comparable aluminum intake and an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design that saves approximately 13 pounds (6 kg) per engine.

The LFX engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission with tap-shift control.