2008 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Revealed

Ironic isn’t it; a 7,500 pound (about 3,400 kg) “hybrid” beast with a 6.0-liter V8 engine. However, on the other hand, if the Escalade manages to deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving compared to the standard models as GM promises, it’s better than not having it at all. Cadillac’s Hybrid Escalade is powered the same 2-Mode Hybrid system as both the Yukon and Tahoe hybrids.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system consists of an electrically variable transmission (EVT) and 300-volt nickel-metal hydride Energy Storage System (ESS) working in concert with the standard 6.0L V8 gasoline engine. According to Cadillac, the Escalade Hybrid will go on sale in the US in the summer of 2008. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: Cadillac announced the world premiere of the Escalade Hybrid, the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV. Powered by an innovative, fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system, Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving – all while delivering the same distinctive style, segment-leading features and full-size capability that have made the Escalade an icon.

“Escalade, already the sales and style leader among large luxury SUVs, now adds the desirability of a fuel-saving, technically advanced hybrid system,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The arrival of Escalade Hybrid means that consumers can now use less fossil fuel, reduce emissions and still enjoy the benefits of a full-size luxury SUV.”

The Hybrid goes on sale in the US in the summer of 2008 and is the newest example of Escalade’s technology leadership. The potential for sales of the Hybrid in Europe are currently being evaluated with a decision expected within six months.

“No other manufacturer offers a hybrid than can seat eight luxuriously while simultaneously carrying or trailering lots of cargo comfortably,” Taylor said. “And no hybrid delivers the dramatic presence that is synonymous with Escalade.”

Escalade Hybrid is available in 2WD and 4WD configurations. It delivers up to 6,000 pounds (2,722 kg) of usable towing capacity on 2WD models and 5,700 pounds (2,565 kg) on 4WD models. All of Escalade’s standard comfort and convenience features are included. This includes an eight-inch, touch-screen navigation system that displays performance readouts of the 2-Mode Hybrid system on the screen.

Escalade Hybrid extends Cadillac’s leadership in the large luxury SUV category. Escalade sales have grown in the face of changing sales trends and increased competition. In fact, Escalade sales increased 22 percent in September over year-ago sales. Other models in the Escalade lineup include the extended-length Escalade ESV and the versatile Escalade EXT luxury-utility truck. The Hybrid model is available with the standard Escalade body style.

Patented 2-Mode Hybrid technology

The Escalade’s 2-Mode Hybrid system allows it to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway while delivering the capabilities of a true luxury SUV. In city driving, this advanced hybrid power system enables Escalade to launch and drive low speeds on electricity alone. As additional power is demanded, the system blends output from the battery and gas engine smoothly.

GM’s patented 2-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. AFM enables the V-8 engine to seamlessly shut off half of its cylinders when less power is needed, such as during highway cruising. This new hybrid system not only enables the Escalade Hybrid to drive low speeds on electricity alone, it also allows the 6.0L V-8 engine to operate in its more economical four-cylinder mode for longer periods.

The key to Escalade’s 2-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.

The 2-Mode Hybrid system provides seamless, dependable power on demand in an efficient package. In fact, its electric motor is less than half the size of those in single-mode hybrid systems. This technology was developed and is still used in fleets of hybrid transit buses on the streets today in dozens of major North American cities. Scaled-down for use in full-size SUVs, the 2-Mode system delivers fuel savings where it is needed most – in large vehicles with high levels of capability. It is a core part of GM’s energy diversity efforts, which are centered on reducing dependence on petroleum, improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and minimizing the automobile’s impact on the environment.

Cadillac’s smooth and quiet power

Acoustic details specific to the Hybrid model ensure it delivers the superior luxury that has been an Escalade hallmark since its inception. The details include:

• A new 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 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.

Escalade aesthetic

The Escalade Hybrid retains the qualities that have made it the leading large luxury SUV and a standard-bearer of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance. It is instantly identifiable as a Cadillac and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents.

The Escalade’s warm and inviting interior features a premium layout. It is available in two colors, Ebony and Cashmere. Standard features include a distinctive instrument panel; gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting; Nuance leather-covered seats; leather-covered door trim and center console; and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

SEMA Show: 2008 Cadillac CTS Sport Concept

Cadillac is determined to set the CTS as major player in the luxury sports sedan segment, which is dominated by the German competition. But while we’re all waiting to see the CTS-V we’ll have to be content for the time being with Cadillac’s customized CTS Sports Concept. The SEMA show car uses the base 304 Hp 3.6L V6 engine combined with a Corsa cat-back exhaust system with 3.5-inch outlets. Special features include new front and rear fascias, a modified hood, rear spoiler and 20-inch wheels Recaro sport seats highlight the cabin. -High-res images & details after the jump

Vehicle highlights:

• CTS Sport concept
• 3.6L V-6 with direct injection
• Modified hood with wire mesh inserts
• Unique front and rear fascias with carbon fiber and wire mesh inserts
• Carbon-fiber front fender extractors
• Export-model taillamps and CHMSL with clear lenses
• Unique rear deck spoiler
• Headlamps with unique housing finish
• Roof-mounted OnStar antenna
• Brake ducting with LED lighting
• Polished, forged 20-inch wheels
• High-performance brakes with painted calipers and drilled/slotted rotors
• Carbon-fiber interior trim plates
• BlueConnect Bluetooth integrated into the headliner
• Recaro sport seats with leather trim
• Corsa cat-back exhaust with rectangular outlet tips and wire mesh inserts

SEMA: GM To Introduce 28 Vehicles Including Pimped Pontiac G8 GT By 50 Cent

GM’s 2007 SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) offerings will include a wide range of vehicles many of which will use “eco-friendly” solutions running on alternative fuels, like E85 ethanol. Among GM’s 28 vehicles that will make their way to Las Vegas on Oct. 29 are a specially tuned version of the forthcoming Pontiac G8 GT (Holden Commodore based) built by rapper 50 Cent and Unique Autosports, a Pontiac Solstice SD-290 concept (picture) which features a closed passenger compartment reminiscent of vintage racecars, and a tuned version of the upcoming 2008 Saturn Astra. -Details after the jump

PRESS RELEASE: LAS VEGAS – A diverse array of customized and high-performance cars, trucks and SUVs again dominates the General Motors display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, but this time there is an underlying message: Green goes with mean.

Many of the 28 vehicles GM will bring to the annual convention of the automotive aftermarket performance and appearance industry either run on alternative fuels, such as E85 ethanol, or feature fuel-efficient performance without compromise. The lineup is headlined by an E85-powered Corvette Z06 owned by Jay Leno. The “Tonight Show” host’s new supercar boasts a custom, 500-cubic-inch engine that generates approximately 600 horsepower and is fueled solely by E85.

Another mean, green Chevy at SEMA is FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod, built by GM Performance Division – a re-creation of the hot rods that competed at early drag strips and land-speed venues of the late 1940s and 1950s. With bodywork inspired by a 1934 Chevy and period styling touches, FlexFuel Chevy Hot Rod mixes vintage style with contemporary technology; it’s powered by a 500-horse FlexFuel version of the turbocharged Ecotec engine. It runs on E85, gasoline or any combination of the two.

In addition to the alternative-fueled performers in the display, GM will also use the SEMA platform to introduce some influential concepts and production models, including the Pontiac Solstice SD-290 concept, which showcases a unique passenger compartment closeout evoking the spirit of vintage racecars, and a tuner-inspired version of the upcoming 2008 Saturn Astra. Chevy will make a couple of sport compact production announcements on Monday, Oct. 29, that will surely please the tuner crowd.

Celebrity endorsements will be in full force all over the SEMA show floor as three urban-inspired Enclaves customized by a trio of the industry’s most influential designers, including Rick Bottom, former NBA star Jerome Williams’ Automotive Street Style, and Mitek will be on display, along with a new Pontiac G8 GT built by rapper 50 Cent and Unique Autosports.

Additional concept and specialty vehicles in the display include:

Cadillac –Factory customized CTS Sport and Escalade Sport concepts show how sporty these new models can look with a few, carefully crafted styling and stance enhancements.

Chevrolet –In addition to the E85 ethanol-powered machines described above, Chevy is featuring a bevy of tricked-out trucks and custom cars, including:

• Silverado HD Crew Cab Z71 “Big Red” concept, influenced by last year’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. Big Red concept
• Silverado HD Country Music concept with fold-out, portable stage
• Silverado Major League Baseball show vehicle
• Silverado/GM Performance Parts LSX-powered regular cab truck with 640 horsepower
• Suburban HD Z71 diesel, with a new 4.5L diesel engine
• Camaro Convertible concept
• Impala SS “Car of Tomorrow” NASCAR racecar show vehicle

GMC –The Yukon All-Terrain show vehicle follows in the tracks of last year’s Sierra All-Terrain concept and is designed to complement active lifestyles; and the Sierra HD Denali is a “what if” look at applying GMC’s most premium aesthetic to the Sierra 2500HD.

HUMMER –A pair of serious off-roaders is on hand, including the racing-inspired H3R and the adventure-seeking H2 Safari.

Pontiac –Along with the Solstice SD-290, Pontiac will feature two new G8 performance sedans, including a slightly enhanced version of the G8 GT production model and a completely customized G8 GT from 50 Cent and Unique Autosports (viewed in the Pirelli Tires display).

A collaboration between Pontiac, 50 Cent and Unique Autosports – the New York-based custom shop featured on the show “Unique Whips” – 50 Cent’s red-and-black performance sedan is equipped with a GM Performance Parts LSX 427 engine, custom paint, 22-inch chrome wheels and a custom-tailored interior boasting an 800-watt audio system.

Saturn –Marking the introduction of the all-new Astra sport-compact, Saturn shows off a tuner-inspired example that uses subtle exterior and chassis mods, as well as unique wheels, to give the car a street-wise stance.

GM Accessories and GM Performance Parts

In addition to the concept vehicles at the GM display, General Motors introduces products and initiatives that will surely influence enthusiast projects of the near future, including a collaboration with DUB to develop a variety of appearance and performance components.

GM Performance Parts (GMPP) teamed up with GM Performance Division to give the most famous 1957 Chevy magazine car of all time – Popular Hot Rodding’s Project X – its ultimate “rectification.”

GMPP also introduces a bevy of high-performance engines and engine support components, led by the Anniversary 427 crate engine – a limited-edition, all-aluminum big-block based on the legendary ZL-1 engine. It is completed by the ZZ427, a regular-production crate engine that features most of the same high-performance attributes of the Anniversary 427, but with an iron cylinder block.

Also new from GMPP is an LS3 crate engine, tall-deck LSX cylinder block and a trio of “LS” engine controller kits that make engine integration easy.

Carscoop’s Gal Tries Out the 2008 Cadillac CTS 3.6 V6

The 2008 Cadillac CTS with the new 263 Hp 3.6-liter V6 engine was one of the rides I got to check out while at the GM event this past week. It was, by far, my favorite pick from GM’s 2008 Collection. Fun and sporty, it’s a nasty car to kick around in.

In terms of driving, a car like this will make a trip to the local 7-11 a total blast. It handled well on the curves, the acceleration was intense and I had an over all sense of safety even at the higher speeds. I was so impressed with the driving that it distracted me from everything else. And by everything else, I refer to the lack of sexy edge that would make it competitive with the BMW 5 series which it’s actually intended to do –I know many might disagree, but where is the fun in everyone agreeing? -Continued after the jump

We talked to the Cadillac’s Communication Manager, David Caldwell who set some things straight and let us in on some interesting info. Among other efforts to appeal to the BMW and Mercedes drivers of America, Cadillac created the CTS to compete with the 5 series at a 3 series price. (Many refer to it as a 4, how witty).

For driving quality, it may do just that. In terms of design, Cadillac needs to step up to the plate. I questioned the shiny lining all over the interior of the car. Couldn’t they have done a more matte finish like in many of the European cars I’ve seen? Mr.Caldwell assured me that people actually buy the car for small details like this. “People want to know they are in a Cadillac and the “bling-bling” of the CTS is what people love,” he said. But, the cheesy blingyness of the Cadillac is probably why sales have skipped an entire generation of people in their 30’s and 40’s. Maybe we’d see more Cadillacs around if they toned back on the blings a bit.

Mr.Caldwell also informed us that there’s discussion for Cadillac to design a version of the CTS that’s comparable in size with the BMW 3 series. Hopefully, they’ll work on a sleeker design in the future. It may provide a bridge for the generation gap Cadillac is experiencing and maybe even allow it steal away some BMW fans.

Overall, the CTS provided me with a respectable and fun ride and a blinding shine from all the chrome.

Posted by Daniella

UAW’s Contract Reveals GM’s Future Product Portfolio! – Cadillac CTS Coupe, H3T Pick Up & More!

We just finished reading the full summary of UAW’s contract with GM (click here) and guess what; UAW included (by mistake?) GM’s future product portfolio through 2013!!! What a #ucking booboo! The list gives us an unprecedented view of specific product commitments in 16 assembly plants across the USA. As you might have guessed, GM isn't at all happy with UAW as this information is considered highly confidential for apparent competitive reasons. We’ve included the whole list for your gratification right after the jump (click the title or below), but here are a few goodies to get you started:

• Corvette and Cadillac XLR replacements due in 2012
• Global Delta Volt beginning in 2010
• Global Delta MPV7 beginning in 2009
• Cadillac CTS Wagon to be introduced in 2009
• Cadillac CTS Coupe coming in 2009
• Hummer H3T Pick Up to be introduced shortly
• Hummer H3 and H3T replacement beginning in 2011
• Two midsize / large rear-wheel-drive cars based on the Zeta platform (Camaro) to be introduced in 2011
• Chevrolet to produce large four-door notchback in 2010

Plant	Products
Arlington, Texas	GMT 900 truck and SUV continued until 2012 C3XX full-sized truck and SUV replacement beginning 2013
Bowling Green, Ky.	Corvette and Cadillac XLR continue until 2011 Corvette and Cadillac XLR replacement product beginning 2012
Detroit Hamtramck, Mich.	Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS continue until 2010 Global Delta MPV7 beginning in 2009 Global Delta Volt beginning in 2010 Global Epsilon Chevrolet beginning in 2012
Fairfax, Kan.	Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura continue until 2011 Global Epsilon Buick and Saturn beginning in 2009 Chevrolet large 4-door notchback beginning in 2010
Flint, Mich.	GMT 900 full-sized truck and heavy-duty commercial cab until 2011 GMT 900 medium-duty truck continues until 2008 C3XX full sized truck and heavy-duty commercial cab beginning in 2012
Fort Wayne, Ind.	GMT 900 full-sized truck and light-duty commercial cab until 2011 C3XX full-sized truck and light-duty pickup replacement product beginning in 2012
Janesville, Wis.	GMT 900 full-sized truck and SUV continues until 2012 Medium-duty truck continues until 2009 C3XX full-sized truck and SUV replacement for current GMT 900 full-sized truck and SUV products beginning in 2013
Lansing Delta Township, Mich.	GMC, Saturn and Buick Lambda products continue until 2011 GMC, Saturn and Buick Lambda replacement products beginning in 2012 Chevrolet Lambda product beginning in 2011
Lansing (Mich.) Grand River	Cadillac CTS, Cadillac STS and Cadillac SRX continue through 2009 Cadillac CTS wagon and Cadillac CTS coupe beginning in 2009 Zeta products (two styles) beginning in 2011
Lordstown, Ohio	Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 continue through 2009 Global Gamma 4-door notchback beginning in 2010 Global Alpha (2 styles) beginning in 2011
Orion, Mich.	Pontiac G6 continues through 2013
Pontiac, Mich.	GMT 900 full-sized light-duty pickup and heavy-duty pickup continue through 2011 C3XX full-sized truck, light-duty pickup and heavy-duty pickup beginning in 2012
Shreveport, LA.	H3, H3T, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon continue through 2011 H3 and H3T replacement beginning in 2011
Spring Hill, Tenn.	Chevrolet Lambda continues through 2012 Theta Epsilon SUV beginning in 2011 Next-generation Chevrolet Lambda replacement product - demand and business-case dependent beyond 2012
Wentzville, Mo.	Chevrolet and GMC large vans continue through the product lifecycle, beyond 2012 Next-generation Chevrolet and GMC large vans replacement for the current product - demand and business-case dependent beyond 2012
Wilmington, Del.	Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky continue until 2012

A Caddy That Purrs: Man Dresses Cadillac Deville Coupe in Jaguar Fur

Nothing beats a shiny new Jaguar. Well, maybe except a 1975 Cadillac Deville Coupe covered in “Jaguar fur”. According to Costume Blog.com, this guy gave up trying to save his pennies for a Jag and decided to economically dress his Caddy up to serve his purposes. The only problem is, when it rains, the Jag will quite literally smell like one. -Posted by Dani

One more image after the jump

Via: costumeblog

Video: George Bush’s Cadillac DTS Limo Breaks In Rome!

Bad luck Bush strikes again. The President’s motorcade came to a halt on his way to the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy this past weekend when his custom Cadillac DTS limo bit the dust. Luckily, the Italian people made light of the situation and filled the air with laughter and snickers followed by applause and cheers when Bush got out of the car and just decided to walk the rest of the way. Ι’m sure the American people are pissed that others are poking fun at their president because it’s a privilege only they think they are entitled to.

Posted by Dani

Via: Autoblog.com

ebay: 6wheeler Cadillac Escalade Limo

What’s the purpose of adding an extra rear axle?–well apart from making it look like an obnoxious semi-truck! But let’s say that one of you folks out there found it special or maybe even…attractive. Would you pay the 118.500 USD (88.200 EUR) that the ebay seller is asking for it? Pics Via: ebay

Technorati: ebay, limousine, Cadillac+Escalade, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Revamped 2008 Cadillac STS to debut in New York Show

Yep, one more GM model will make its debut in New York. The most significant exterior changes on the 2008 Cadillac STS include the dual-textured, multi-faceted grille and the addition of side air extractors while in the cabin, the new steering wheel and the revised center stack of the instrument panel. The 2008 STS also features a new direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 engine that pumps out 298Hp. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see the official press release & an image gallery

PRESS RELEASE: ENHANCED 2008 CADILLAC STS DELIVERS SIGNATURE STYLING AND ADVANCED PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY

NEW YORK – The 2008 Cadillac STS, featuring refreshed signature styling inside and out; a new, standard 298-horsepower (222 kW) V-6 engine; and a host of new vehicle technologies, debuts at next week’s New York Auto Show, April 6-15, at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

“For the past two decades, the Cadillac STS has been a showcase of luxury, performance and technology,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manger. “The new 2008 STS extends that heritage with a bold new look, the debut of a new, high-tech standard engine and some of the industry’s most advanced safety technology.”

Refreshed design, inside and out

With overall dimensions slightly increased, the new STS conveys more of the design flair that has become a Cadillac signature. Up front, the dual-textured, multi-faceted grille first seen on the Sixteen concept and incorporated on both the Escalade and soon-to-be-launched 2008 CTS, has been adapted to the STS, giving the luxury performance sedan a more sophisticated appearance. Vertically stacked headlamps with large, dual 70mm projector lenses are encased in an aluminized, single-piece bezel. High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps are now available on V-6 models.

Also available on V-6 models for the first time are Intellibeam headlamps. The headlamps automatically switch gradually from high beam to low beam when vehicles approach or the vehicle is approaching taillamps. The lower front fascia is a new design, with a new intake and grille patterned after current Cadillac ‘V’ cues. New, narrower side marker lamps are added.

Similarly, side air extractors, again inspired by the Sixteen and Escalade, are now incorporated in the front fenders of the STS. New styling touches also include chrome-plated door handles and new lower rocker moldings that blend into the lower line of the vehicle for more presence and refinement. At the rear, the new fascia is now body-color, and is highlighted with the addition of polished, aluminum three-inch exhaust tips.

New, polished 18-inch by 8-inch aluminum 14-spoke wheels are available. For these available wheels, Michelin W-rated, 235/50R18 tires are used up front, and the rear wheels are fitted with 255/45R18 all-season radials.

Inside, STS’s luxurious interior includes a new steering wheel with available genuine Sapele Pommele wood trim. Sapele is an exotic wood more commonly used in fine furniture and musical instruments. A heated steering wheel also is available. The center stack of the instrument panel is revised with the addition of wood trim that has new metallic surroundings.

New, available features for the STS include a head-up display on V-6 models. The head-up display projects key driving information (such as speedometer ratings) onto the windshield, enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

STS adds direct-injection V-6

For 2008, STS will be the first GM vehicle equipped with a new 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 engine. The new base powerplant, with 298 horsepower (222 kW), delivers 40 more horsepower; and torque is increased to 268 lb.-ft. (371 Nm) – up from 252 lb.-ft. (348 Nm) on the current base engine.

The new direct-injected 3.6L will be mated to the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, the first pairing of this transmission with a V-6 engine. Additionally, the STS V-6 will continue to be available with all-wheel drive (AWD) for 2008.

Advantages of the new direct-injected engine include a 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. Additionally, despite the 15-percent increase in power, fuel economy is expected to increase slightly.

Lane departure technology debuts

Continuing Cadillac’s commitment to using advanced safety features, the 2008 STS will offer new features including a new performance handling package; enhanced variable-effort steering with StabiliTrak on V-8 models; and new lane departure warning and blind side alerts.

The new performance handling package will be available for V-8-equipped rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models and V-6-equipped rear-drive models. The package includes 18-inch by 8.5-inch aluminum alloy, chrome-plated wheels fitted with new P255/45R18 Michelin Pilot Sport summer-only tires.

Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers provide enhanced braking, with front rotors measuring 14-inch by 1.2-inch (355mm x 32mm) coupled with 14.4-inch by 1.1-inch (365mm x 28mm) rear rotors. All four rotors are vented.

In addition to controlling brakes and reducing engine power, the latest iteration of StabiliTrak combines active front steering to turn the front wheels into the skid when rear wheels lose traction. The system includes a new steering motor assembly combined with computer-driven electronic controls that measure wheel slippage at all four wheels independently during acceleration, braking and adverse road conditions.

To help alert drivers to maintain their position on the road, the STS will be available with a new lane departure system. Controlled by a camera located in the rearview mirror that reads the lines in the road, the system will alert drivers when they have strayed into another lane. Drivers will get both audible and visual alert cues.

Another new feature is an available blind spot alert system. The radar-based convenience feature will provide drivers with a visual alert that appears on the outside rearview mirror when vehicles appear in a specified side zone. The 2008 STS is expected to be available in Cadillac dealerships by mid-summer. Introductory pricing will be announced at a later date.

Technorati: GM, Cadillac+STS, New+York+international+Auto+Show, NYIAS, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Official: Lutz confirms Caddy's V12 engine

According to Automotive News, Cadillac has officially confirmed the development of the Cadillac V12 flagship model. Lutz confirmed that development work for the 12 cylinder engine is underway in Australia where it will be testing what’s expected to be the “Cadillac of Cadillac’s”.

Although a plan for a V16 was shot down, the V12 was approved and now engineers will join two of Holden’s 60-degree, 3.6L, V6 engines on a single crank to form a 7.2L V12 motor, developing about 600hp with 540lb-ft of torque. The intro of this model is part of Caddy’s plan to establish itself in a world full of BMW’s, Mercedes’s and Lexus’s. Of course, if it’s anything like the 16 concept we saw in 2003, this news should have German engineers sweating in their seats. Via: AutomotiveNews

Posted By: Dani

Black Humour: Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse… Limousine!

Depending on one’s superstitions, people may touch their collar whenever they see a hearse; others on the other... hand might grab their genitals while some may even gruesomely spit on the ground. Generally speaking, if you’re not the type who’s watched “Corpse Bride” like 50 times, a hearse is something you’d probably prefer to avoid seeing -let alone hopping in for a joy-ride. Right? Mmm, not according to the e-bay seller of this ’79 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse that has been transformed into a limo. Here’s some of the seller's quotes on the Caddy: “Would make an awesome limousine service”, “There is a custom neon kit in the interior that lights up blue when running” & “Doors are upholstered with cathedral design”. Yikes… -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pics and the vehicle description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

This '79 Cadillac Fleetwood hearse is up for auction in Nashville, TN.
Runs and drives GREAT, smooth transmission!
Engine is a 425 big block , and has 71,689k miles. Engine was rebuilt 2k miles ago!!
Automatic transmission.
Aluminum wheels & reasonably new tires in good condition.
Flowmaster exhaust dualed out.
Air-ride shocks.
Solid frame.
Clear title.

Would make an awesome limousine service!

All stickers are removeable, and i'll even include a bottle of goo-gone if you so wish!

All glass windows are great.
Includes some stickers (but can be removed if you see fit!)

There is a custom neon kit in the interior that lights up blue when running,
Has neon underbody kit as well that is not currently hooked up- but could very easily.
Blue neon around the front liscense plate, as well.

Carriage lights on both sides of hearse are custom with blue lenses to match the car & neon.

Two aftermarket hoodscoops in great condition.

Custom skull hood ornament that hides your spare key! Also on top of the tail-light fins (see pictures).

As this car is more custom, the curtians are removed from windows and are not included, but the back windows are tinted.

Headliner is in great condition.
Doors are upholstered with cathedral design.

Vinyl top is custom, as well as the rear cat-eye window.

Comes with entertainment center, 20" emerson tv /dvd/vhs with remote, CD rack, 2 drawers
for storage (dvds, vhs, video games), cabinet space for a video game console, and a drink holder.
PLENTY of leg room between back seat and tv console, very comfortable!

Black and blue aftermarket steering wheel, with skull suicide steering knob.
Speaker system includes : four 6" speakers, four 6"x9" speakers, four 8" (red with stickers)
speakers. All in speaker boxes, not ported but well made!

Rear has a custom diamond plate hatch door that holds spare tire, jack, and tire iron.

Back seat is leather with center arm rest.
Front seats are cloth with same material and pattern as upholstered doors.

Via: e-bay

Technorati: Cadillac+Fleetwood, Limousine, e-bay, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007