Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept (2010)

Cadillac unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac's emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car's entertainment, navigation and information systems.

"The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept is the next expression of Cadillac's Art and Science execution philosophy, reflecting our drive to deliver the latest innovations in the most artful manner," said Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager. "We envisioned this concept as an automotive personal headquarters, using advanced technology to enable new levels of connectivity and luxury."

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept uses Cadillac's 3.6L V-6 Direct Injection gas engine, paired with a plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in technology enables the battery to fully charge from a standard electrical outlet, enabling pure electric propulsion in many driving situations, especially urban commutes in which fuel efficiency may double that of a conventional hybrid.

Traditional luxury sedans were defined by elegant interiors and Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept propels that formula into the future. It delivers new approaches to luxury within a design that combines fine craftsmanship with customer-driven innovation. Like the current Platinum Edition products, such as Escalade Platinum and the STS and DTS Platinum sedans, the interior is based on hand cut-and-sewn materials. The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept injects more contemporary forms and themes into the interior design, including the use of Organic Light-Emitting Diode (O-LED) displays in place of traditional gauges and screens.

The concept previews a new integration philosophy guiding the development of future models with respect to in-car electronics. The intent is to progress Cadillac's intuitive in-car electronics systems, typified by the deployable touch-screen navigation system that has been highly acclaimed in the brand's CTS and SRX product lines. The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept previews this strategy via the minimization of traditional buttons and switches. Designers blended the display screens into a flowing instrument panel. They call it a "dead front" design, because the panels appear black until the car is turned on and the screens illuminate. The instrument panel itself reflects the Cadillac XTS Platinum's other focus - uncompromising luxury and attention to detail on the interior.

"The Platinum distinction in Cadillac means the fullest extent of luxury and technology and we've tried to reach even further with this concept," said Clay Dean, Cadillac design director. "Just as the technology pushes the boundaries of what a Cadillac can offer, so do the details that make the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept an uncompromising experience."

The interior takes inspiration from nature, specifically the intricate layers of petals that combine to form an orchid. Cadillac designers translated that into a layered and detailed interior. Light cream is the cabin's primary color and is contrasted with darker elements, such as the steering wheel and an overhead console motif that runs the length of interior's roof. The console is made of a richly finished wood and houses lighting features.

Premium leather seats include a new style of automotive suede, with a laser-etched pattern. The patterned material adorns the center sections of the seats and accents the door trim. Thoughtfully detailed stitching is used throughout the interior, including the seats, instrument panel and door panels. Passengers in the spacious rear compartment of the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept also have access to the car's connectivity feature, along with a range of infotainment choices.

"We never lost sight of the fact that a large luxury sedan needs to be spacious and accommodating," said Dean. "Passengers will find generous headroom, legroom and knee space, along with the technology elements that make the drive more productive."

A new proportion
The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept has a distinctive proportion that transcends the traditional aesthetic of luxury sedans and carries the brand's Art and Science design in a more progressive manner. The unique proportion supports the "inside out" design priority, while creating a sleek profile that complements the car's advanced technology elements and necessary aerodynamics.

"The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept design artfully conveys its focus on functionality through technology," said Dean. "It is the antithesis of the conventional three-box sedan, suggesting the active evolution of Cadillac's design language."

A sweeping profile culminates in a short, high deck lid that meets the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept's aerodynamic needs - including a rear spoiler mounted on the deck lid, incorporating the center high-mounted stop lamp. A high, sloping beltline gestures the vehicle forward, suggesting motion, while the fenders flare outward wrapping tightly around 20-inch wheels and tires. The wheel-to-body proportion was carefully tailored to visually communicate the car's all-wheel-drive chassis.

Like the interior, the exterior elements are precisely tailored and elegantly detailed. Brushed billet aluminum trim is used selectively and the 20-inch, 11-spoke wheels feature a brushed aluminum face accented with bright inserts within the spokes. The wheels are wrapped with special Bridgestone tires that were created specifically for the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept.

Signature elements essential to Cadillac's Art and Science design language include vertical headlamp and taillamps, with integrated light pipes and richly detailed lighting components. The headlamps feature light-emitting diode technology for bright illumination that requires less energy, as well as Cadillac's Adaptive Forward Lighting technology, which turns the headlamps with the direction of the front wheels for greater visibility in turns.

Purposeful and efficient performance
The Cadillac XTS Platinum concept's plug-in hybrid electric propulsion system (PHEV) builds on the experience Cadillac has gained with the Escalade Hybrid and Escalade Platinum Hybrid flagship models. The plug-in capability boosts the car's electric-only driving capability, offering additional battery energy capacity and enabling it to recharge from a standard external electrical outlet. The key benefit of external plug-in recharging is that in many situations - such as overnight parking - the battery can fully recharge in roughly five hours while the car is not in use. The plug-in system operates at maximum efficiency when operating on power the battery has drawn from the electric grid. In some conditions, such as urban commutes, drivers can experience efficiency that doubles that of conventional hybrids.

At higher speeds or when conditions demand it, such as brisk acceleration, a combination of engine power and electric power or engine power only, propels the vehicle. The combination of the Direct Injection V-6 engine and the PHEV system featuring fully electric variable drive provides a spirited driving experience. The system provides an estimated 350 horsepower (260 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) enables the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept to deliver superior road-holding performance while maintaining luxury car composure in "regular" driving conditions. It uses shocks controlled by advanced magneto-rheological technology, rather than mechanical valves, to greatly accelerate response time and precision.

MRC uses electronic sensors at all four wheels to literally "read the road" every millisecond, making constant adjustments to damping to create virtually instantaneous and extremely precise control of body motions.

An advanced, specially calibrated all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in wet and slippery conditions, and helps deliver maximum traction while cornering. Four-wheel disc brakes, with four-channel ABS, StabiliTrak stability control and full-function traction control complete the drivetrain details.

"The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept was designed to deliver an engaging driving experience without compromising the functional features, space and comfort customers seek in a luxury car," said Nesbitt. "It is a new vision of luxury that uses advanced technology to deliver functionality efficiently and rewardingly."

CADILLAC XTS PLATINUM CONCEPT SPECIFICATIONS
Vehicle type: luxury sedan concept
Wheelbase: 111.7" / 2837 mm
Length: 203.5" / 5170 mm
Width: 74.8" / 1900 mm
Height: 59.1" / 1500 mm
Track:
front: 62.6" / 1589 mm
rear: 62.8" / 1594 mm
Powertrain: plug-in hybrid system with 3.6L Direct Injection gas engine (with variable valve timing); lithium ion battery
Suspension: four-wheel independent with Magnetic Ride Control.
Brakes: four-wheel disc with electric park brake system
Wheels: 20"
Estimated power: 350 hp (260 kW) / 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm)

2007 BMW 5 Series Sedan

BMW's 5 Series sedans are renowned for their sports-car-like performance and handling. The top-of-the-line 550i is the priciest and most powerful version (the V10-powered M5 is in a league of its own) and like the 525 and 530 models, it receives only minor updates for 2007, most of which are high-tech gadgets. Styling and major mechanical components carry over unchanged.

Primary among the new high-tech upgrades is an enhanced BMW Assist safety/communication system (similar to General Motors’ OnStar) that offers services like collision assistance and stolen vehicle recovery. A new TeleService function alerts owners of maintenance/repair needs and contacts them to set up an appointment at a local dealership. Every 5 Series model now comes with four years of BMW Assist; by comparison, it is a $685-per-year option on the 3 Series.

The 2007 550i gains an input that allows iPods and other portable devices to be played through the vehicle’s audio system. A high-definition (HD) radio receiver is newly optional ($500). This new system, which debuted on the 2006 6 Series, delivers CD-quality digital sound on FM stations that broadcast in the new format, with FM-quality audio on AM stations. Unlike satellite radio, HD radio is free, all broadcasts are local in nature and the radio units can receive standard analog broadcasts in addition to HD digital programming. As of spring 2006, more than 700 stations across the U.S. were broadcasting in HD radio, with more than 3,000 committed to adding the new format.

Another new high-tech option is the BMW Night Vision system ($2,200). Similar to systems offered by Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, Night Vision uses a thermal imaging camera to display a view of the road ahead on the vehicle’s navigation system screen and help expose objects otherwise undetectable by the naked eye.

The 5 Series line underwent a major makeover for the 2004 model year that included a new platform, powertrains and radically different styling. The 550i received a larger V8 for 2006 and a name change in the process — it was previously called the 545i.

The 550i comes only as a sedan and with rear-wheel drive. Those looking for all-wheel drive must step down to the six-cylinder-powered 525xi or 530xi. A wagon variant is available only as the 530xi Sport Wagon.

2012 Aston Martin Lagonda Preview

Some luxury vehicles have pedigree and taste; some have one or the other. The new Aston Martin Lagonda concept doesn't have much of the former and so lacks the latter, at least one automotive magazine has implored Aston Martin not to build it.

Nonetheless, the hulking SUV seen here is part of the plan to return the Lagonda nameplate to the world. Aston, in fact, hopes to aim the revived Lagonda name and its first SUV at all sorts of new markets inspired by the company's new Middle Eastern ownership. That region, Russia and China have the biggest potential in the plan to build this sport-utility vehicle and to put it on sale in 2012.

The...

Rolls-Royce 200EX: A Silver Ghost Return?

A new small Rolls-Royce headed for motorways next year has gone on display at the 2009 Geneva motor show, prior to a world debut later this fall.

The new 200EX concept, Rolls-Royce announced this week, is officially a concept vehicle. It's hard to see what might change as Rolls-Royce engineers prepare it for series production and an on-sale date next year.

When it's shown in final form, the new small Roller likely will wear a Silver Ghost nameplate. And though the look is distinctly Rolls-Royce, the car's architecture shares some important safety and cabin structures with the 2009 BMW 7-series (which our colleagues at TheCarConnection have...

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Most Popular Luxury Cars on MSN

BMW 5-Series

Next:2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class3of11images

BMW’s bestseller is offered in sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon versions. Its sleek styling and sports-car-like performance have helped make this “ultimate driving machine” the most researched luxury car on MSN Autos for all of 2007. Prices start at just under $32,500 for the base 328i sedan and climb to just under $50,000 for the 300-horsepower 335i convertible.

Top 10 Fuel Efficient Luxury Vehicles - 2010

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• See all 2010 Lexus vehicles

9. 2010 Lotus Elise / 2010 Lotus Exige

If you care about performance, speed and little else, either the 2010 Lotus Elise (view photos) or 2010 Lotus Exige (view photos) fit the bill nicely. Don't expect to have much room for luggage or passengers in this rubber-burner, however. Then again, you could always just send them through the wormhole you'll open up with Lotus' other-worldly acceleration off the line.

• MPG: 21 city/27 highway
• See all 2010 Lotus vehicles

8. 2010 Volvo C70

This retractable hardtop convertible looks a little bit more like it belongs among the company on this list than the Volvo S40. An updated version of the Volvo C70 (view photos) is slated for release for the 2011 model year. We spent some time with the car at the Detroit Auto Show and we think it packs improvement across the board. That said, time and engineering have worked out lots of the kinks on this one, and there might be a fire sale on them just before the 2011s hit.

• MPG: 20 city/28 highway
• See all 2010 Volvo vehicles

7. 2010 Porsche Boxster / Cayman

If there's one entry on this list we don't feel like we have to explain, it would have to be this one. Except it's probably worth offering our kudos to Porsche for being able to squeeze so much performance and so many miles out of a gallon of unleaded. You may need to remind yourself of that when you wonder where that $60,000 went.

• MPG: 20 city/29 highway
• See all 2009 and 2010 Porsche vehicles

Toyota Camry

Aggressively styled with a cool interior and a sweeter, more responsive engine, the new Camry is infinitely more exciting than the outgoing model. However, the rear seats are not as comfy as before and it is more expensive too. It carries the Toyota mark all over it. It is available in manual and automatic transmissions and has a 2.4-litre engine generating an impressive 167 bhp. The Automatic variant is equipped with an all-new five-speed transmission system with ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission). Estimated fuel economy is 8/11 km/l (city/highway). Toyota has used HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps with auto-leveling feature for the Camry's headlamps to help improve straight-line visibility, thereby enhancing safety standards. A retractable headlamp cleaner gives the driver the option of cleaning the headlamps at the push of a button from the luxurious confines of the cabin, ensuring clear visibility even in bad weather. Price starts from a little over Rs 21 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Top 10 High-Tech Luxury Cars List

You can have one sexy luxury car, but when it comes to a real luxury car, it’s gotta be stocked full of gadgets & high-tech accoutrements!

This Top 10 High-Tech Luxury Cars List combines the best on the market of high-tech automobiles. These top-notch vehicles can do anything from adjust automatically to dangerous road conditions to playing all the media that you love.

Audi TT Roadster 3.2 Quattro $44,500
BMW 335i Sedan $39,675
Cadillac CTS $32,500
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
Infinity G37 $32,000
Lexus LS600h L $104,765
Land Rover RL3 $49,300
Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport $37,275
Porshe 911 GT2
Volvo XC70

luxury cars.

When you’re rich, you get yourself luxury cars. When you’re rich & you have luxury cars, you join luxury car clubs like the Collexium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Collexium was created by a Boca Raton resident in December 2006. Since that time the luxury car club has risen in popularity & features a sleek lounge, business center & showroom that shows off anything from an Aston Martin V12 Vanquish to a Ferrari F430.

Doesn’t sound like too bad a life to me….

Top Luxury Cars - The Pontiac G8 Sedan

The Pontiac brand is headed toward oblivion, but that doesn't mean that its flagship G8 sedan will bite the dust - at least completely. General Motors has announced that the G8, which is made by the company's Holden operation in Australia, will live on in the form of a Chevrolet model, likely the Caprice. Yes, authentic full sized rear wheel drive motoring is alive and well thanks to a recent reversal made by GM management.

Short Lifespan For The Pontiac G8
Introduced as a 2008 model, the Pontiac G8 has proven to be one of the most exciting big sedans sold by GM this generation. Seating five passengers and powered by a beefy V8 engine, the G8 has been compared with the BMW 5-Series in a number of categories including speed, handling, braking and comfort. All this while being priced tens of thousands of dollars less than its German competitor.

When GM announced that Pontiac would bite the dust, it also canceled importing the G8 from Australia where the car is sold as the Holden Commodore. This decision was made despite an outcry from GM faithful who still wanted to see the car sold in North America either as a Buick or Chevrolet model. Indeed, the sedan is sold in some markets as the Chevrolet Lumina, bringing the right car to those markets which crave a powerful full sized sedan.

Keeping Bob Lutz On
Bob Lutz, who has been the product lead for GM for most of the past decade, was recently asked by management to delay his pending retirement scheduled for year end. As part of that move, Lutz has been given the authority to decide the fate of several current, pending and future models including the G8. Lutz decided that the G8 would become the Chevrolet Caprice, slotting just above the Impala as Chevrolet's new flagship sedan. Likely, the Impala will continue to lead in sales, with the all new Caprice sold as more of a niche vehicle.

The Chevrolet Caprice could be quickly readied for sale once a new nose is designed for the sedan. That move could be completed within months, bringing the Holden model to North American Chevrolet showrooms before the year is out. Thus, along with all of the other 2010 Chevrolet models the Caprice may once again be offered to Chevy faithful.

Lastly, if the Caprice returns as planned it could also mean the return of the El Camino, a sport truck based on the Holden Ute platform. That model was slated for Pontiac as the G8 ST, but was canceled earlier in the year when GM was mulling Pontiac's future.

Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer who resides in North Carolina. Matt is a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport an aftermarket supplier of quality parts including Honda CRX exhaust and Ford Focus exhaust.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan

Top Luxury Cars - Why Are Viper Car Alarms So Popular?

There is little doubt that Viper Car Alarms by DEI are the most popular car security alarms in the world. There are many reasons for this. You may possibly remember a time when a car alarm was not a commonly seen accessory on a car. You would only expect to see an aftermarket car alarm system on an expensive sports car pictured in the pages of your favorite car magazine. But considering the way things are today, the car security alarm has become very common place.

It makes good sense to invest in a good professional quality car security system to protect your new car or truck. New vehicles are simply too expensive for us to go the risk of having them easily stolen. No alarm system can prevent a thief who is bound and determined to drive away with your ride. But a Viper car alarm, when installed correctly will certainly prohibit theft by all but a truly experienced thief. The Viper car alarm does its job by protecting your vehicle when it is well out of sight. The newer technology provided by Viper allows the vehicle actually to communicate directly with you via its tw-way remote control. This type of two-way communication is one of the latest advances in the industry used by Viper. It is commonly used on Viper's end car alarms and remote start systems. You can find good comparisons and car alarm reviews right on the web.

This is a great option, especially so if the owner lives or works in an urban area. In urban areas it is not uncommon to hear car alarms sounding intermittently during the day. The sound is so common today that many hearers don't even look up anymore. This of course makes two-way communication and the ability to monitor your vehicle's security from a distance a great benefit. Another factor that adds to the popularity of Viper car alarms is the fact that the manufacturer provides a wide array of electronic accessories to aid in integrating your alarm into you vehicle's electrical system.

Viper makes a few models that combine the car security alarm with a remote start system. This is a very attractive component to add to any vehicle. Along with the available installation accessories, these combination alarm and remote start systems provide addition ways of immobilizing the vehicle to help prevent any would be theft from driving away with your vehicle..

Unless you are electronically inclined and experienced with automobile electronics, it probably s a good idea to have your Viper car alarm professionally installed. You can purchase Viper car alarms on the web and then arrange for your local car electronics store for installation. In most cases, buying online will enable you to save on the overall cost even after installation when compared with a local purchase.

About the Author

Author has been involved with online retailing of home and mobile electronics for over a decade. For more information on these subjects visit http://www.audio-n-more.com

Top Luxury Cars - The Classic Lotus Elan

Produced between nineteen sixty two and nineteen seventy five, the Lotus Elan line-up consists of a two door coupe and two door roadster. The initial Elan models were introduced within this time frame and are now commonly known as the sixties Elans to distinct the cars from the later nineteen nineties models when the marque was reborn. The Lotus Elan follows the trend of the Lotus cars model names which begin with the letter L.

The Elan roadster was the first in the Elan family, a two seater convertible. A year later a hardtop variation was also introduced, as well as a coupe in nineteen sixty five. The Elan was very lightweight, composed of a fiberglass body and a steel chassis, fitted with a one point six litre twin cam engine. The car was also made available as a kit car, allowing the purchaser to build the car. The Elan model succeeded the Lotus Elite, a car which was well styled but was criticized for its price and reliability (or lack of it).

Five years after the initial lunch of the Elan the Elan +2 was debuted. The new variation was fitted with two extra seats, heightening passenger experience and appealing to the family market. The wheel based had to be increased to allow for the additional two seats. The +2 variation is noted for its great styling, sensibleness yet great performance. The Elan was ceased in nineteen seventy three, and the +2 two years later in nineteen seventy five. Just over five thousand of the +2 models were produced, with less than a third still around today. The Elan +2 has become popular among classic car enthusiast and collectors due to its favorable characteristics.

Classic Cars For Sale has Lotus cars for sale.