The luxury car business is one of the machine’s equivalent of a popular contest. Every premium vehicle represents beauty, power, honour and pleasure in their own particular style. For a long time, the only way to win the game was with a super-exotic. The advent of a new luxury car class evolution has changed the ambitions of competitors over last few years. Do not merely desire the top pedestal position; they want to dominate a diverse luxury car segment!

Cadillac entered the 21st century as a forgiven starlet. Struggling for a long time to adapt to a changed world, a new Cadillac division emerged in 2002 with the introduction of the CTS. Wanting a vehicle that could compete against foes at Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and BMW, the Cadillac CTS succeeded in gaining meaningful ground in the mid-sized luxury car segment. From the DNA of the Cadillac CTS, the American luxury car brand was successful in developing a desirable vehicle line-up. With the introduction of the Cadillac ATS and the plug-in hybrid ELR, we have grown accustomed to a radically new Cadillac. For the 2013 New York International Auto Show, the car accredited for reinspiring the wayward auto brand again becomes the focal point for Cadillac.

Thanks to the remarkable aptitude of some members of the motoring press for spoiling surprises, the 2014 Cadillac CTS’ unveiling at the New York International Auto Show became an anti-climatic experience. Up until the pictures circulated on-line, no one outside of General Motors would have known the extent of the 2014 Cadillac CTS’ redesign.

A front end featuring some design cues reminiscent to the ATS, the 2014 CTS sedan wears a wider Cadillac grille on a most aggressive face. Evolving beyond the stacked headlamps featured since the first CTS, the 2014 Cadillac CTS is accented by a set of LED lights. Contoured in a naturally flowing pattern right up the hood, the bodylines are etched for enhanced 3-D definition.

Five inches longer than the previous CTS sedan, the four-door entry of the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan appears wider and more inviting. Projecting an executive car look at the side, the 2014 CTS incorporates aluminum door structures for the first time on a Cadillac. The doors and other lighter weight components of the new sedan counteract the vehicle’s newfound size. Even as the total length and wheelbase of the 2014 Cadillac CTS grows, the new vehicle’s curb weight is advertised to be up to 150 pounds less than the 2013 version of the sedan.

With the lighter weight, the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan touts exceptional handling. Electric power steering is standard on all models of the 2014 CTS. Brembo brakes on the new Cadillac sedan slows a variety of aluminum wheel sizes designs ranging from 17-inch to 19 inches in diameter. For highly dynamic handling, Cadillac’s Magnetic Ride Control is optional on the new CTS sedan.

Brought to light earlier this month, Cadillac’s first twin-turbocharged production engine will be the top-end powerplant for the 2014 sedan. The Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 LF3 engine is a technologically advanced unit that pumps out 420 horsepower while touting fuel economy above 20 miles per gallon. Also joining the 2014 Cadillac CTS is the two-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder powerplant that generates 272 horsepower. The small engine will offer fuel economy up to 30 miles per gallon highway aided thanks to the 2014 CTS’ active grille shutters. Between the two new engines, the 3.6 liter V-6 returns with an output of 321 horsepower.

Rear-wheel drive is equipped with all 2014 CTS engine choices but the two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.6 liter V-6 offers the option of all-wheel drive.

The Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine will be sold under the CTS Vsport name. The 2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport offers a full array of performance-oriented components to make the most of 420 horsepower. A heavy-duty cooling system, quick ratio steering and an electronic limited-slip differential is part of the CTS Vsport model that rides on standard 18-inch aluminum wheels.

The enriched 2014 Cadillac CTS will present a greater enjoyment for occupants desiring a comfortable, quiet ride. A configurable cabin offering roominess and safety, the 2014 CTS sedan provides a choice of eight interior layouts. Real wood, aluminum or carbon fiber trim encapsulates the driver and passengers. Heated and cooled ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and motorized cup holder lid welcomes the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan’s occupants. Available full semi-aniline leather seating is hand-created for a premium luxury touch.

Standard equipment offered on the new CTS sedan includes 10 air bags, configurable instrument cluster, 11-speaker Bose sound system and Ultrasonic rear park assist. Like it or not, Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system and its eight-inch touchscreen has a prominent place in the new car. An upgraded system, CUE natural voice recognition will make hands-free activation of entertainment and convenience technology easier. Accident prevention technology is abundant on the 2014 Cadillac CTS. Full speed adaptive cruise control, Rear Vision Camera, full-colour heads-up display, Adaptive Forward Lighting, Lane Departure warning lists a few available features offered to insure safer road travel.

Presenting only the sedan in New York, we should look forward to seeing the Cadillac CTS styling shaping the Sport Wagon and coupe variants. In addition, with a Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine raising the performance bar, eagerness to see the next Cadillac CTS-V model will consume the thoughts of many awaiting hyper-powered luxury.

Information and photo source: General Motors

Zeroing-in on the criteria modern luxury needs to deliver athleticism in addition to comfort. The Cadillac CTS is an instrumental vehicle for redefining General Motors’ luxury brand as a relevant player in the 21st century car business. The brand’s first successful mid-sized car, the CTS would pioneer with a coupe and Cadillac’s first-ever factory sport wagon. At the high-end, the 556-horsepower, V8-powered Cadillac CTS-V models provide alluring premium performance vehicles. The Cadillac SRX, Cadillac XTS and most recently the small ATS provided a technologically guided view of premium American motoring. For 2014, Cadillac will be edging V6 performance to another level with a debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show.

A new bred of Cadillac power, the 3.6 liter V6 engine receives a dramatic upgrade thanks to a pair of turbochargers. Sharing the same 3.6 liter displacement as the naturally aspirated engine, the Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 powerplant (known technically as the LF3) starts on a solid framework. However, the accommodation of two turbocharger units meant the 3.6 liter engine has undergone extensive modifications. Cylinder head block casting, connecting rods and domed aluminum pistons are all unique to the Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6. The twin-turbocharger setup utilizes a pair of small turbines in order to deliver air pressure faster than with a single turbocharger. Heat exchangers inspired from the Cadillac CTS-V and Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 vehicle’s supercharged powerplant cools the air charge.

The Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine will be mated to a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission. A first for Cadillac, the eight-speed, electronically controlled gearbox should be a super-smooth unit offering two overdrive gears. Steering column-mounted paddle shifters deliver that choice of quick, manual-like gear changes.

With emphasis on street performance, the 420-horsepower engine and eight-speed automatic together means fuel economy of the Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 is respectively above 20 miles per gallon during average driving. On the 2014 Cadillac CTS, the twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine will obtain 17 miles per gallon city or 25 miles per gallon highway. The combination of the turbochargers and a compression ratio of 10:2:1 means premium gasoline will be required for the Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine.

Turbocharging Cadillacs is a new phenomenon. The 2013 Cadillac ATS became the very first North American production vehicle offering from the brand to feature a turbocharged engine. This is the first production application of a twin-turbocharged engine in a Cadillac. Historically, Cadillac’s name has been associated with big engines. Cadillac is noted for building a 452 cubic inch V-16 powerplant during the 1930s. Through the 1960s and 1970s, the company offered a mammoth 500 cubic-inch V8 engine. Today, horsepower is expected from smaller engines incorporating civilized technology. The twin-turbocharged engine for 2014 will be the first production car use for Cadillac. Previously, Cadillac was associated with twin-turbocharged engines during a short-lived prototype sports car stint. The Cadillac Northstar LMP car competed on the American Le Mans Series from 2000 to 2002 with two turbochargers mounted to V8 powerplant.

The Cadillac Twin-Turbo V-6 engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission will be available on 2014 model year versions of the CTS starting in the fall. Buyers of the larger Cadillac XTS will also gain advantage of the 420-horsepower V6 option later this year.

Information and photo source: General Motors

Serving as a Christmas after Christmas for me, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto is my first chance to gain a firsthand view of the most recent products. While many have made global debuts at many prior auto shows, I will attest there is no replacement to setting your own eyes on the presence of great vehicles. Therefore, as a member of accredited media, I set out to the festivities in Toronto ready to be dazzled once again by lovely creations from metal and applicable composites. Fitting for this year, the media day corresponding with Valentine’s Day allowed me to spend a day with ones I love the most from the families of General Motors, Ford, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, just to mention a few.

By entrance into Toronto was confronted by an occurrence that left me feeling a little sore. Getting off a crowded transit train, I attempted to be courteous and allow someone else to step down the stairs from the Toronto’s Union Station first platform. For some reason, the person gave a dirty look at me with a most ungrateful fashion. Chivalry is said to be dead; I am sure people like the one I experienced was the one who killed it. After being in the presence of so many disrespectful people in the past few years, I entered 2013 realizing I need to spend less time trying to be nice to the rotten and rude people because there are too many nice individuals on this planet who deserve respect. The fact that I have written over 500 articles for Automoblog.net and sister site Audisite.com demonstrates mutual goodwill I am thankful to be part of with every project I produce. It was just a bad predicament that shamefully detracted me from my enthusiasm for the 2013 auto show.

There is also the consideration that I believe that the automobile is an exclusive culture. The development of the automobile has always been the result of mass cooperation or mass competition among respectable rivals. For this reason, I looked forward to making up way to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. From the buzz of this year’s show, I knew it would be a bustling exhibition of vehicle lifestyle. I was not to be disappointed. Rather than giving an hour-by-hour account of everything I had the pleasure to immerse myself in during the Valentine’s Day media festivities at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow, I can sum up the presentation along several themes.

The first such theme of the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow was more free-spirited automotive creations. The BMW i cars (the i3 hatchback and the i8 sport coupe) were found right beside a BMW Z4 roadster and 560-horsepower BMW M6 Gran Coupe creating a satisfying concentration of the German automaker’s best. Toyota brought their far-out Fun-Vii concept vehicle (a design I continue to liken to a lovechild between an electric car and smartphone). The dynamic screen-like panels of the Toyota Fun-Vii was worth beholding in person. With South Korean brand Kia, their display of family and economy-oriented vehicles (such as the newly revealed Cadenza sedan) was joined by a series of art cars.

It was my plan to regularly update of transpiring activities through Twitter but spotty media WiFi in the complex left me sending far fewer than I wanted. Nonetheless, I was able to send out a few rather eye-catching spectacles from the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. An instantly memorable example was a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG treated with a gold exterior. All I could think of when seeing that sport utility vehicle was who would drive something as lavishly but also lovingly pompous as a gold-plated luxury product. As if 544-horsepower from a highly capable four-wheel drive is not extravagant enough. The gold Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG was fittingly placed nearby the SLS AMG GT Roadster and just a small walk away from a disco ball-themed Smart Fortwo.

Aside from the outright showmanship, the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow had many new examples of premium motoring. Maserati held a press conference for the new Quattroporte sedan, Lincoln placed the MKC compact crossover at the centerpiece of their brand exhibition, Acura arrived at the auto show with a detailed prototype of the NSX supercar and McLaren attracted a steady crowd of journalists with the MP4-12C Spider. The ELR plug-in hybrid coupe was one of many vehicles shown by Cadillac in the brand’s floor space. This year, Cadillac was noticeably further from the other General Motors products between Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Topping the premium brands, Audi uncovered the SQ5 crossover, RS7 Sportback and the a red 2014 R8 supercar.

The 2013 show in Toronto also serves as a showcase for two American-derived high performance vehicles. The 2013 SRT Viper GTS in a candy red colour accent to 640 horsepower was understandably the pride and joy of Chrysler’s display. Despite the allure of the Viper supercar (especially in the year of the snake), Chevrolet practically saved the best for last at the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow’s media day. Knowing that everyone in the press were waiting for a special sports car to break away from its concealing sheet, the Chevrolet presentation was actually heavily focused on another vehicles; the next-generation Silverado pickup truck. The reasoning is actually quite excusable based on the fact the Silverado would be a major breadwinner for the brand but this only fanned anticipation for what is the heart of Chevrolet from 2014 and beyond. Finally, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray came to sight needing only a brief introduction. At no other time in the day was there such a media mob surrounding one vehicle and I can‘t blame them (mainly because I, myself, did not let the gray 2014 Corvette Stingray leave my sights for about fifteen minutes). On Valentine’s Day, I stood only a matter of a foot away from one of the special beauties in the modern automotive world.

Every year, I acknowledge the fact it is hard to make these articles engaging when much of the vehicles are not that new to readers. However, every year there is some ‘Canadiana’ present at Toronto’s car show that allows us to stand apart from our northern neighbours. From General Motors, Canada receives the compact utility Chevrolet Trax and Orlando for which are denied a presence in the United States marketplace. In addition to showing off the 2014 Outlander crossover, Mitsubishi has been displaying their newest subcompact car at the Canadian shows ahead of United States presentation in New York later this year. Aside from individual cars, the Suzuki brand of automobiles remains alive and well for the time being in Canada as the United States new car sales have been ending.

During the presentation of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a guest to the unveiling was Canadian sports car driver Ron Fellows. Having taken a Corvette to victory at sports car races at Daytona, Sebring, Road Atlanta and Le Mans, Fellows is so storied with the Corvette name that a special edition version of the C6 version honoured his devotion to the sports car. I can personally confirm that Ron Fellows is one classy guy who has granted me the pleasure of his time on several occasions.

Best thing about major auto shows is not limited to the new cars. Several exhibitions such as Auto Exotica, Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase and Cruise Nationals gave an additional flavour to the 2013 Canadian International AutoShow. Consisting of high-end new cars such the Ferrari F12berlinetta and a Skyfall Silver edition of the Aston Martin Vanquish, Auto Exotica also presented a Maserati MC12 Corsa, Ferrari F40 and a 1989 Formula 1 Ferrari driven by Nigel Mansell.

While I prefer the pristine, stock-level automobile, I am not without appreciation to the personalized efforts that go into customized vehicles. The Canadian Hot Rod Builders Showcase was a scene where mild to more extreme custom cars and trucks were treated with unique touches. One noted vehicle was decked out as a street rod version of a Bell Canada service truck. A Chip Foose modified Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing was another one of many attractive machines.

An annual event for the Canadian International AutoShow again collected a selected is few vehicles from various outdoor car shows over the past summer in the province of Ontario. The 2013 Cruise Nationals combined stock and custom vehicles that are featured in a room opposite of Auto Exotica. This year’s finalists ranged from a 1937 Studebaker Dictator and 1969 Lincoln MK III to a 1955 Ford F100 truck that was rebuilt from scratch into a custom. On display at the 2013 show, the nature of Cruise Nationals insures the owners do not have to maintain their vehicles as ‘trailer queens’ meaning that all the finalists will once again be hitting Canadian roads when the weather improves.

This year’s Canadian International AutoShow was the 40th consecutive edition in Toronto. From what I had been witness to for the 2013 edition of the auto event, celebration is everywhere. For someone who attended the show with little sleep from the night before, overloaded by camera equipment this year, I left the day knowing my love is well placed in automotive culture.

Information, photo, video source: Canadian International AutoShow, Chris Nagy

Expected to adhere to constantly changing criteria driven by government and consumer fronts, automakers have utilized the practice of building multiple vehicles off a single platform. Existing as a kind of foundation for automotive designers, vehicle platforms represent a series of standardized parts that can conform to various cars, trucks and crossovers. Defining a standardized platform has provided car companies with the opportunity to maximize their market reach in a cost-effective manner.

In some cases, platform sharing results in nothing more than a lazy effort in brand engineering. Several General Motors products built in the past 20 years (such as the Chevrolet Cavalier based J body vehicles) qualified as less than stellar examples of platform diversity. In contrast, there are several examples where the modern auto industry has created products transcending across a single vehicle category. Today, a one platform can used to deliver coupes, sedans, wagons, crossovers and even electrified alternative powertrain vehicles.

The following is some of the more popular vehicle platforms that we not even know are the basis of so many products:

GM Delta II

In earlier iterations of small car platform sharing had resulted in a rather chilly reception among the North American market (let along the all-so-important global spectrum). Created accepting that a greater focus must be placed on the compact car category, General Motors commissioned the Delta II chassis as a bold move to capture international acclaim. In a way perhaps no one could have predicted, the GM Delta II platform delivered on provocative boasts by the automaker.

The GM Delta II platform debuted in production when the Chevrolet Cruze was introduced to the international market in 2008. A compact car that focused less on being a budget-oriented option, buyers of the Chevrolet Cruze were acquainted with a heightened level of refinement and build quality. As the Cruze arrived in North America, positive press on the Delta II platform Cruze allowed Chevrolet to become a serious challenger in the compact sedan category. European models have also been treated to the Chevy Cruze in hatchback and even a station wagon body style. For the 2012 model year, North American motorists received a Buick version of the compact sedan based on the Delta II platform called the Verano. Several markets excluding the United States (Canada included) received a utility compact Chevrolet Orlando on the Delta II serving to the diversity of the General Motors platform.

Serving not only gasoline and diesel powered vehicles, the Delta II became noteworthy for powering the first major production model of a plug-in hybrid vehicle. Adding a large battery, electric motor and reallocating a gasoline engine as a “range extender”, the Chevrolet Volt coasts on similar underpinnings as a Cruze. At the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a Cadillac ELR becomes the latest recipient of the Delta II architecture.

Developing what will become the Delta III platform, General Motors has aligned with PSA Peugeot Citroen. The General Motors/PSA Peugeot Citroen collaboration of the future small car framework is targeted, not only, to provide a single platform architecture to a multitude of vehicles but also incorporate advanced materials for the lower cost automotive market.

Toyota MC Platform

An industry born from modesty after the Second World War, Japan’s auto sector has been mastering the technique of sharing as many components as possible to build a fleet of vehicles. Toyota can credit much of their growth (and their recent reclamation of the position as the world’s top-selling auto company) to the fact they have mastered the ability of creating a global line-up of cars and sport utility vehicles using a handful of platforms. Without much doubt, the Toyota MC platform exists as the backbone of the auto manufacturer’s success.

While the MC platform is not a household name, many of the Toyota-related products constructed on the single source of technology can be found near the top of vehicle sale charts. Produced since 2006, the Toyota MC platform has been applied to the construction of small to mid-sized cars, sport utility crossovers, and minivans. In fact, the vehicles using the MC platform architecture accounts for the majority of the over two million Toyota Motor Corporation vehicles sold during 2012 in North America. Under the Toyota brand, the Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Prius hatchback and Sienna are currently produced on the MC platform. Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus and youth-oriented marque Scion also use the same underpinnings. The ability to create multiple products from roughly the same basis has been performed near seamlessly acting as a benchmark for all other auto companies.

Seven years on the market, a next-generation replacement for the Toyota MC platform is presently under development.

Nissan D Platform

Recognizing the high upfront engineering costs of a platform, many auto companies have realized that sharing development between brands can help to greatly optimize their resources. Japanese auto company Nissan has enjoyed a close strategic and financial partnership with French car builder Renault. From 2000, platform sharing between the two companies have become greater. A utility player in a global marketplace for the Nissan-Renault alliance, the D platform offers the footprint for a variety of mid-sized vehicles.

The successor to the platform known as the FF-L, the D platform features a growing variety of Nissan’s top front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive products. In 2007, the Nissan Altima became the first vehicle built on the D platform followed shortly by the Nissan Murano and the Maxima. In other parts of the world, the D architecture is used for the Renault Laguna and Latitude as well as for two vehicles built under the Renault Samsung name in South Korea. Demonstrated early on mostly sedans (with exception to the Murano), the mid-sized vehicle platform would show utility. The eight-passenger Elgrand minivan was first sold as a luxury product through much of the Asian continent during 2010. In 2011, the latest generation Nissan Quest was granted a striking redesign based on the D platform. The Nissan Pathfinder’s migration from a truck-based utility to a large crossover vehicle is another high capacity offering on the same underpinnings as several other vehicles. Thanks to the sharing of platforms, finding the new Nissan Altima in Dubai is now possible.

Ford C Platform

As Ford Motor Company has been flourishing in North America, many would say several international markets exists as areas where the 110 year-old auto company is required to show even greater focus (excuse the pun). Though Ford has had a global presence since the Model T, their attempts to keep a profitable worldwide business model has faced challenges. For the most part, Ford believed that the answer for the European market was unique vehicles catering to the market‘s preference for smaller cars. However, financial constraints, global reputation building and changed vehicle buying attitudes have led to Ford’s development of a consistent global line-up.

For the most part, that has involved the North American importation of vehicles such as the Ford Transit Connect and Ford Fiesta. The Ford Focus had also been the crown jewel to what was intended to be a strong global presence. While a rough in the United States and Canada hurt the Focus, it also became a case where Ford fell into old habits when the company decided to completely reengineer the European model on a newer C1 platform while North American audiences settled on a redesigned version based on the older C170 platform. For the 2012 model year, the Ford Focus was finally harmonized again under what is known as the global C platform.

The basis for compact vehicles, the 2012 Ford Focus was the first vehicle that introduced North American car buyers to their C platform. A year later, the all-new Ford Escape was treated to a significant remodel on the latest generation platform. An addition to the US market last year, the Ford C-Max multi-purpose vehicle also displays the C platform. Hybrid and Energi plug-in hybrid models of the Ford C-Max demonstrated how modern platform development now includes the versatile application of advanced powertrain compatibility.

Information and photo source: Chris Nagy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan North America, Toyota Motor Corporation

Ah, software updates. You’ve got to love the big ones that can take hours and require us to restart our computers (or phones, whatever the case may be). I’ve got one waiting on my phone right now for me – oh joy. We’ve all been used to software updates for our computers and phones.

Now they’re becoming more commonplace in our cars as well, and the possibilities are endless. Owners of Apple iOS and Google Android phones (sorry BlackBerry and Windows Phone….) are used to getting updates every once in a while that add new features and functionality, along with fixing bugs. Why can’t it be the same in our cars? It can. Of anyone, Tesla is perhaps the biggest innovator in this area. The Model S is run by an OS that is in touch with the car’s functions and connects to the Internet.

This enables Tesla technicians to check the car’s diagnostics remotely, as well as pushing software updates over the air. Other manufacturers are in the hunt for technology supremacy as well though. When the Cadillac XTS debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show, one of the headlining features was the Cadillac User Experience system, known as CUE. Since then, CUE has spread to the Cadillac SRX and ATS. With a capacitive screen, haptic feedback and a beautiful user interface it was heralded as one of the industry’s best infotainment systems. Like a lot of new software though, it is has its bugs. Buyers have noticed some lag, and that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. CUE design manager Jeff Massimalla told Wired Magazine that they’re working on a fix. “We’re hearing about haptics and the desire for quicker responses, and we’re making a modification that will be released sometime later this year” he says.

Glad to know that they are listening. Later this year is pretty noncommittal though – it could be in two months or at the end of the year. Hopefully for Cadillac users, it will be sooner than later. Massimalla says that the update will be done by Cadillac dealers. Customers will need to take their car in to have it updated, rather than doing it themselves via the car’s data connection. He says that as a Cadillac, dealers should be the one doing the work, not consumers. I’d rather just do it myself, but hey I’m not in the usual luxury buyer mindset. Ford has a lot of experience in dealing with software updates thanks to its MyFord system. The difference is that it has chosen to push these updates over the air. In addition to its interface, CUE is notable for its lack of any traditional knobs or buttons. According to Cadillac, future models may add them for certain functions – providing a blended setup. Learning what works and what doesn’t is all part of doing something new, and were glad to see that Cadillac took a bold step forward with such system. Can you remember all the hate that BMW received for iDrive? By contrast Cadillac says that feedback CUE has been “overwhelmingly positive” – save for the issue with a bit of lag. Hopefully the software update comes out soon and fixes it. Its an issue that can be fixes easily – CUE-enabled cars certainly don’t lack in processing power.

Call it a comeback of sorts. Just a few months ago, the LA Auto Show was so awful, it had left me cold on the direction of where things were headed in the near future for the auto industry. The 2013 Detroit auto show was jammed packed to the rafters with creative imagination; not to mention technical expertise and talent that featured many triumphs. The Detroit show was a complete 180 from LA that lit the fuse on some serious competition for both domestic and international competitors.

First, we need to talk about the technology in the engine bay and also in the cockpit. As cars get more efficient (smaller engines) as well as more autonomous (more sensors and computer controlled events), is there still room left in the world of today for a fun and engaging drive? I say that there is plenty of room left in both arenas. Engine “bulk” may be down; but with the addition of better engine mapping, better airflow, tighter tolerances, and the always welcome turbo or supercharging; a 6 or even a 4 can do the same work as an 8 of a decade ago. Smaller engines also mean less mass which as any Lotus owner knows can be an advantage – not to mention that it also frees up space for other goodies such as an electric motor and small battery pack that comes in handy for passing on the highway or simply passing a gas pump.  Slightly autonomous driving is also trickling down to mainstream cars, which is a good thing for those that commute in the bumper to bumper stuff. As long as new driver aids leave the driver in the equation for as long as safely possible, I am all for it. Infotainment center stacks look to be headed towards I-Pad size and beyond; which makes me think that Tesla was not at all crazy for putting in its monster touchscreen now instead of looking like a run of the mill unit. By far my favorite trick piece of technology are virtual gauges that are reconfigurable. The new Corvette has executed this stylish and useful tool exceedingly well; managing to wipe away all of the Atari like digi-dashes of the past. Software updates will refine the look and responsiveness of many displays in the future for many models be it an econobox or a GT.

Now on with the part that most people go to auto shows for; the designs! The top two spots for breakthrough designs go to General Motors. The gold medal must be awarded to the Cadillac ELR, with the silver going the C7 Corvette.  The bronze goes to Mercedes-Benz for their modern yet restrained CLA. Just behind the CLA; and missing out on the USA sweep was the very promisingly styled Lincoln MKC.

The ELR in production guise did not suffer the same fate as the Volt did when going from the show stand to the realities of production. Most of the styling elements remain intact from the forceful yet jewel like front clip; through the up-swept boomerang like angles of the stunning C pillars; ending in classic Cadillac vestigial tail fins that encase a mild boat-tail rear treatment. The ELR is stunning from all angels and is sure to inspire not only the entire Cadillac range but also other maker’s design efforts for the remainder of the decade.

The C7 Corvette Stingray has gone to the place where it needed to go; the realm of the Italian exotics without being a slavish copy or a caricature. To state it simply; the car has tremendous presence. The longer wheelbase improves the overall proportions and gives the body a tighter and more athletic appearance.  The rear ¾ view; and full on rear views give the car a flow that goes from sweepingly sophisticated to the outright menacing. The four round exhausts are a nice touch that shouts American muscle, while future editions I would guess may move to a trapezoidal or rectangular design as a cue to even higher performance.

The MB CLA is A-OK in my design book. While not as breakthrough as the top two designs, the CLA brings a much needed dose of powerful sculpting that is still refined enough not to be truly polarizing. Although not on the show floor, the car did appear off site in Detroit and therefore counts.  The front end has a gratifying mirroring of the lighting package with the air intakes below for a forceful yet non Audi appearance that was helped in part to the restrained MB treatment of the facade. The profile is mostly CLS which is also a good place to take from. The cove like side sculpting helps tie the side elements together and help sell the overall design as it extends from the headlights and front lip through to the rear wheels. The tail nicely melts away and is cohesive. All around a nice package that will completely destroy Volkswagen CC sales; as well as cannibalize C class sales as well.

Last is the honorable mention of the Lincoln MKC. It looks as though Lincoln is close to getting things right with their design language. The nose is still going through what seems is its tenth rhinoplasty but they are getting it close to being attractive while still being distinctive.  It is still too much of a show car to be taken seriously, but perhaps next year we will see a true pre production version. Worth noting is the very well executed clam-shell rear hatch that adds a great character line to the rear quarter.

Overall, Detroit was an amazing show – bring on the inspired insanity of Geneva!

Top image courtesy of Autoblog.com

When everybody is clearing the bar, it’s time to raise it. In 2011, that is exactly what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did. Manufacturers steadily improved and developed cars that would ace the tests. There is no doubt that the latest cars are safer than ever.

Last year the NHTSA reports that traffic fatalities were down to record low levels. However, as long as there are any fatalities, there is room for improvement. Some cars stand out from the pack – like the 2013 Cadillac ATS. The ATS is one of the most critically acclaimed cars of the year.

Its attributes range from design inside and out, as well as performance and handling. Now it adds safety to the list. The NHTSA has announced that the ATS is the second car to receive a perfect score in every crash test category since the standards were changed in 2011. The first was another car made by General Motors, the Chevrolet Camaro. This is a significant win for Cadillac, adding another element for marketing.

GM’s rear-wheel drive vehicles score particularly well in these tests. The BMW 3-series received near perfect scores in the test as well, save for a 4-star front impact. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-class hasn’t yet been tested. It is safe to say (no pun intended) that the ATS is one of the safest cars on the road. Not only in passive safety, but also active safety. The only two complaints with the ATS so far have been the base 4-cylinder engine and the fact that the 6-speed manual transmission isn’t available with the top-level V-6 engine. Both issues could be rectified easily in future updates. Right from the get-go the 2013 ATS is an automotive all-star and we are looking forward to spirited competition in the segment.

With much of the world busy guessing (and alarmingly betting on) the name of an unborn heir in a royal family, the automotive world braces for its own new additions. First coming at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show and to Detroit early in the new year, 2013 and beyond automobiles will see some brand new personalities emerged with many destined for dealerships. Instead of annoying a young woman and family with furious media attention, there’s considerably less wrong speculating on the yet to be released new products of a company.

Advance news on upcoming vehicles is compiled through a collective effort of automotive media insiders interviewing executives and/or spying on the development procedure of vehicles. Thanks to the trademark registration process in the United States, it is possible to get an idea of what might be in the minds of auto companies. Sometimes trademarks are acquired to preserve a famous, out of production vehicle for other monetary purposes. Ford Motor Company maintains and filed the ‘Thunderbird’ trademark in relations to a variety of merchandise such as collector coins in recent years. More thrilling, trademarked names can identify upcoming street vehicles before they have the covers removed for an official unveiling.

The following is a collection of United States trademarks currently associated with popular auto manufacturers may spoil suspense for what 2013 has in store:

General Motors

Appshop- Is General Motors preparing an endeavour into a new virtual marketplace? Trademarks attaching Appshop to three of General Motors’ four auto division (Cadillac not included) were filed earlier this year. The trademark registration describes the product as both computer software to manage connectivity for downloading software and as an online retail outlet. General Motors recently announced a revised version of MyLink would be equipped on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala but there is no mention of an Appshop or a similar functionality.

Cadillac LTS- Up until about the 1960s, Cadillac was as much a gold standard in global luxury as it was in American luxury. The Cadillac LTS could be future that will help the premier General Motors brand reclaim their spot on the world pedestal. Since introduction of their Sixteen concept car a decade ago, rumblings of Cadillac’s plan for a six-figure vehicle ultra-luxury sedan were apparent. Though the 2013 Cadillac XTS was introduced to market this year, possibilities of a higher tier vehicle continues be the source of speculation. With reports the four-door sedan is confirmed as a future model, we may not have to wait long to find out if Cadillac has a use for the LTS name.

Ford

Mach 1- A well-known accompaniment with the Ford Mustang in past years, the Mach 1 barrier could be broken for a future offering from the auto company. Connected to the Mustang pony car in 1969 to 1978, the name Mach 1 was revived later for a two-year run starting in 2003. The inclusion of the Mach 1 could be involved in ushering forward the next redesigned Ford Mustang. The Mach 1 name has a history for entering production ahead of major restyling.

BMW

BMW 430- Today, BMW announced the concept presentation of the 4 Series as a mid-range sport coupe. However, the ‘BMW 430’ trademark was registered over a year ago. As BMW appears ready to cover single digit numbers Projected by the German company as an evolutionary existence for the automobile, the BMW i division is nearing production scale with their electrified vehicles. In relations to the BMW i sub brand, the full number range from i1 to i9 have been registered.

Chrysler

Chrysler 100- Defining their flagship sedan with the historically anchored ‘300’ badging since 1999, Chrysler placed a spin on their famously used number renaming the mid-sized vehicles as the 200 in the 2011 model year. It seems like inedibility that Chrysler will follow their new numeric system if they wish to add a new vehicle. Perhaps indicating that an entry level Chrysler product is close down the production pipeline, Chrysler 100 has been claimed for possible use. First thoughts would connect the Chrysler 100 with an upscale version of the newly released Dodge Dart.

EcoDiesel 3.0L- As of the 2013 model year, the only diesel vehicle available in the United States under Chrysler Group is a Cummins 6.7 liter turbodiesel in the Ram HD pickup trucks. With a recent trademark, the inclusion of a smaller diesel powerplant could be possible once again in some Chrysler Group vehicles sold in the United States. Registering the EcoDiesel 3.0L badge design, a new diesel engine connected to the branding could be used to power a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee rumoured to be part of the 2013 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The powerplant could also be the propulsion for the upcoming Ram ProMaster work van.

Volkswagen

Nanobus and Microbus- Unveiled in 2011, the Volkswagen Bulli concept vehicle presented something exceptionally unique throughout last year’s auto show tour. A small corssover embodying the spirit of the 1960s Microbus, the Bulli concept was overall modern in presentation. Bringing the Bulli concept car to North America on occasions, Volkswagen tested the waters for the prospect sending this vehicle or a similar subcompact crossover into production. According to registered trademarks, Volkswagen has claimed both the Nanobus and Microbus names for use in a vehicle in the United States if market conditions are favourable.

Information source: BMW AG, Chrysler Group, General Motors, United States Patent and Trademark Office
Photo source: BMW AG, Chris Nagy, General Motors

For years, the Cadillac CTS has been the best selling Cadillac model. As Cadillac’s entry-level model, it was priced to compete with the BMW 3-series, despite being much larger in size. Along with the SRX, it has been the only seriously competitive Cadillac in recent memory.

That is beginning to change though. While the CTS didn’t take on the 3 or 5-series directly, the ATS is changing that. Winning rave reviews, it is the first Cadillac to directly challenge the BW 3-series. Like the situation with the CTS and STS, the arrival of the ATS creates a short-term problem. The ATS and CTS don’t have enough differentiation. Many industry observers have speculated that the ATS will cannibalize sales of the CTS.

Edmunds.com has some new data out that shows that buyers are cross-shopping the ATS against the CTS, along with the 3-series. Also, actual sales data bears this out as well: CTS sales are down by 40 percent in October. Of course it is nearing the end of it’s life cycle, but it is certain that ATS is playing a role in that.

Automotive News spoke with Cadillac sales head Chase Hawkins, who said that GM was expecting this. “We’ve planned for ATS to take some CTS customers out of the market who we otherwise would have seen…We definitely are going to be producing fewer CTSs next year to create some of that space for ATS.” Next year we could see even more of an emphasis on the coupe and V-series line-up as a way to differentiate from the ATS. Things will change for the 2014 model year when the CTS grows in size and price to compete with the BMW 5-series. This move will best position Cadillac for growth in the United States and abroad.

Existing as a “Long time, no see!” production promise from General Motors’ luxury-oriented Cadillac brand, the ELR was given the green light August of last year on the premise of becoming the brand’s first plug-in hybrid car (or extended range electric vehicle).

Based on the Converj concept car that debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show, the ELR is set to merge Chevrolet Volt’s advanced powertrain technology with very Cadillac-chic two-door coupe exterior style. While Cadillac’s recent corporate focus has been centered on the effective launches of the entry-level ATS and their new flagship XTS sedan, details of the upcoming ELR was mute for a long time. On Tuesday, the first words regarding the Cadillac ELR was offered to reassure us the vehicle is indeed heading into production.

An anti-climatic announcement, General Motors stated the upcoming Cadillac ELR would be produced in the General Motors’ Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant. A smart move in terms of logistics, the Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly plant is the same manufacturing facility producing the Chevrolet Volt as well as the international equivalents to the plug-in hybrid sedan (Holden Volt and the Opel Ampera). By building the new ELR in the same plant, advanced powertrain technology stock such as the lithium-ion battery (produced in a nearby facility in Brownstown, Michigan) are within easy reach.

With the Chevrolet Volt serving as the champion for radical driving technology not only for General Motors but the whole auto industry in a major extent, the vehicle generated some mixed indicators for the reception of future plug-in hybrid products. Immediately having to overcome a price tag over $40,000 before government tax credits, that one challenge continues to dog the Chevy Volt more than the 40-mile maximum electric-only cruising range. The Cadillac ELR coupe should be better able to warrant a high price tag on brand prominence alone. Besides pricing, the Volt’s 2012 year started with the very public recall due to a potential electrical fire risk. Issuing the vehicle’s first recall to reinforce the battery, some of the top vehicle honours the Chevrolet Volt won with its launch was put into question. Most important for the plug-in hybrid sedan, the Volt does not seem to be too greatly impacted by the recall. Selling over 16,000 Chevrolet Volts at the end of September, the plug-in hybrid is on track to reach the 20,000 sales plateau when 2012 closes.

While the Chevrolet Volt was marketed heavily as a future for General Motors too important to fail when bankruptcy restructuring plagued the company in 2009, the Cadillac ELR will could also be held to the same scrutiny when it goes on sale in late 2013. The first production vehicle to use electric power with a range-extending gasoline engine not to be the familiar sedan, the premium two-door vehicle will have the task of accommodating an unusual demographic; an eco-minded car market operating on luxury tastes.

The acceptance of the Cadillac ELR will go a long way to demonstrate the production viability of General Motors’ advanced powertrain as a platform to a series of vehicles. If successful, this could be GM’s plug-in hybrid technology could become like Toyota’s Synergy Drive hybrid vehicle line. Proliferation of the Chevy Volt-derived electrified powerplant across a wider line-up of vehicles will also go a long way to reducing the production cost of the technology.

Information and photo source: General Motors
Video source: Chris Nagy

There’s no question – the 2013 Cadillac ATS is a big deal for Cadillac, General Motors and the automotive industry. The BMW 3-Series has been hunted down by the competition for years. There are longtime competitors like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well as newer competition such as the Infiniti G.

They’re all good cars, but none have matched the 3-Series’ near-perfect blend of style, power and handling. Reviews are in on the 2013 ATS and nearly all are unanimous that is the strongest competition the 3-Series has ever received, coming extremely close to the segment leader. This has to be a worrying development for BMW, as the ATS is Cadillac’s first real attempt at going after the 3.

The first CTS was pegged as a 3-Series competitor, but in reality it was larger and the 3 wasn’t benchmarked during its development. Adding further momentum for its launch, Esquire magazine has handed out the ATS its Car of the Year award. Esquire isn’t a magazine noted for its pull in the automotive world, and that’s part of award’s significance. Those following the auto industry know how good the ATS is , but it isn’t conventional wisdom. Last year Esquire picked the Audi A7 Sportback as its car of they year. Esquire said the ATS was “perhaps the single most important thing Detroit has built in years.”

Other awards were handed out to the Range Rover Evoque for SUV of the Year( we’ll agree with that) and BMW 640i Gran Coupe for luxury Car of the Year. Debut of the year went to the 2013 Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ twins. The question about ATS until now has been about market acceptance – Cadillacs have had a stodgy image in the past. That has changed over the past decade, and the ATS could be coming at just the right time. Somewhere the guys at Caddy’s marketing department are cheering. Way to go guys.

Do fleet sales have to be a negative? That is the question many are debating with the 2013 Cadillac XTS. “Rental car” originally became a negative term because of the cheap base models that manufacturers pushed out en masse. Cadillac is betting the livery market is a different story.

For a long time, the indisputable champ of the livery industry has undoubtedly been Lincoln with the Town Car. While Cadillacs have been often used in the past, they have had limited marketshare over the past decade.

For many that is an indication that Cadillac has been doing something right; you know, appealing to actual retail customers. With the Town Car being cancelled though, Cadillac is looking to get into the market with the XTS. It was introduced at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last year and is now on sale. There has been a debate about whether or not Cadillac should aggressively pursue it. Today the company has released three models of the XTS: a limousine, hearse and a black car/livery entrant.

The Livery Package will likely be the most popular, but Cadillac isn’t intending to push it out in volume. Rather than offer it with a stripped feature set, the Livery Package adds includes things like an air-leveling rear suspension, heated rear seats and side and rear window shades. Cadillac will aim for sales to luxury hotels and other venues. It remains to be seen what these models will do for Caddy’s image – we haven’t seen any BMW or Mercedes hearses lately. One thing is for sure though; the XTS is a more impressive large Caddy sedan than we’ve seen in years. It has a stunning interior that may surprise some of the business customers that travel back there. Cadillac is hoping that positive feedback from these riders will translate into sales for the XTS.

2012 is a big year for Cadillac, as it launches it sedan “bookends” (for now, at least ) the ATS and XTS. The ATS is every one is focused on, and rightfully so. The 2013 BMW 3-Series is getting its stiffest product challenge yet, and from an unlikely source too. While 2012 is a big year, 2013 will be an even bigger one. It will bring launches of the de facto flagship Escalade, ELR and CTS. Cadillac appears to finally be getting its act together.

“These are fun, happy times at Cadillac,” says Don Butler, Cadillac’s top marketing executive, via The Detroit Bureau. “We’re expanding and elevating the brand.” Finally! Butler says that Cadillac is preparing to launch 10 new products over the next three years.

Last year Cadillac had (remarkably) just three model lines: Escalade, CTS and SRX. The promise of the past decade was squandered, as Cadillac failed to fill out its lineup with competitive products in the defined segments of the market. That is all changing now. Finally the ATS is aimed directly at the 3-Series, while the next-generation CTS will go for the 5-Series. While the volume segments are getting sorted out though, the foundation of a luxury brand in terms of image building is flagship products.

While the Escalade serves that role, Cadillac doesn’t have one in the traditional sense- and it needs one. At Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz the full-size sedan segment carries the standard for the brand. Cadillac is moving forward with the Omega flagship sedan, what Cadillac calls a “foundational” product. That means a full-size sedan in the mould of the Ciel. Cadillac views that as not enough though, with a plan to have three flagship model lines. They view one of them as the Escalade (welcome to the party, guys…), along with the sedan. The question is, what is the third? Possibly a new coupe. The Ciel, in four-door convertible form, would be a fantastic product to kick off a true Cadillac renaissance.

Celebrating 50 years since its first appearance in a major production vehicle, the turbocharger is finally being realized for its true performance capacity. Associated at one time with sports cars and exotic performance vehicle machines for years, turbocharger technology had faced several challenges before achieving the automotive mainstream. The first turbo application in the Oldsmobile F-85 Jetfire involved to use of distilled water and methyl alcohol to accompany the operations of the Turbo Rocket engine. Turbochargers in the 21st century have evolved thanks to several innovations such as computer management systems. Today, unlike the powerplants of previous vehicles, many turbocharged engines can even run on regular gasoline.

With new cars under increasing scrutiny from government agencies as well as customers to deliver improved fuel economy, auto manufacturers know any gas-savings could not come with the serious loss of performance. The turbocharger is now the answer many auto manufacturers are utilizing to beef up the power while achieving excellent driving distance. Turbocharging has gone hand-to-hand with the exploration of new engine technology collected into some profound powerplants in 2012.

Ford EcoBoost 3.5 liter V-6

In a recovery process from near financial ruins, Ford Motor Company invested money and engineers into a pivotal advanced powerplant philosophy never previously planned for their brand’s vehicles. Combining an exotic twin turbocharged setup with gasoline direct injection, a flagship V-6 engine would change the perceptions of top-level performance found in Ford’s sedans, crossovers and even pickup trucks.

Leading Ford Motor Company into there new generation of car building, the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 engine was first incorporated into the 2010 Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus sedan. The lively 355-horsepower powerplant presented the premium Lincoln model with V-8 gallop with the superior fuel economy associated with six-cylinder engines. Presented in an output range up to 365 horsepower, the EcoBoost V-6 engine has expanded into other Lincoln and Ford brand products including the Explorer Sport and F-150 pickup truck. The V-6 version of Ford’s EcoBoost power will also be available on the American Transit van and is the top engine on the police duty Interceptor sedan.

After almost three years in the marketplace, the 3.5 liter EcoBoost V-6 has been a runaway success in both sales and defining a new legacy for Ford Motor Company. In regards to EcoBoost-equipped Ford F-150, the vehicle’s debut in late 2010 saw 35 percent of customers immediately favoured the twin-turbocharged V-6 engine by April of 2011. The success of the six-cylinder powerplant Ford seeks to replicate launching a host of vehicles with the 1.6 and 2.0 liter EcoBoost engines in North America. In some markets, the EcoBoost technology is even being integrated into three-cylinder, 1-liter engines.

General Motors 2.0 liter Ecotec Turbo

The first major automaker to embrace turbocharging technology in 1962 with the Oldsmobile brand, General Motors had been nowhere near the forefront of the proliferations of exhaust-driven forced air induction engines. Devoting a massive amount of energy to their smaller car technology, the promise of the turbocharger has played a useful role in garnering some sizable performance numbers from a restricted space.

Under the General Motors banner, the Ecotec family of engines has existed as normally aspirated, supercharged and turbocharged models in past compact vehicles. In what is one of the Ecotec engine’s recent iterations, the LHU configuration is a 2.0 liter, turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant growing in popularity within the Buick line-up in North America. An all-aluminum engine, the direct injection Ecotec turbo engine was introduced in last year’s model of the Buick Regal and the Saab 9-3. Rated between 220 and 270 horsepower, fuel economy with the 2.0 liter engine in the Buick Regal GS can impressively travel 27 miles per gallon highway.

The turbocharged 2.0 liter Ecotec engine has most recently been guaranteed for a high-performance model of Buick’s recently released compact sedan, the Verano. Press reports indicate the 250-horsepower, 2013 Buick Verano Turbo will achieve acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a feisty 6.2 second. There is also a 2.0 liter turbocharged Ecotec powerplant matched with the rear-wheel driven 2013 Cadillac ATS different from the LHU engine found primarily on the Buick products.

BMW Twin-Turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8

Like many European automakers, BMW is actively pursuing more fuel-efficient technology through a multi-prong attack. Creating several hybrids, bracing themselves for the launch of the BMW i sub brand of products, BMW has also aggressively incorporated turbocharger technology into their modern engines. Pumping up horsepower without jeopardizing fuel economy, the driver-oriented experience that BMW prides itself with providing motorists is preserved (perhaps even enhanced) through turbocharging.

Along with supplying some punch to inline-six engines on vehicles such as the 3-Series, turbochargers in BMW has also been instrumental in the high-end models. Present eight cylinder BMW 4.4 liter engines use a twin-turbocharged setup for between 400-500 horsepower potential in conventional products. A BMW M line’s tweaked-up version of the engine is lent to the brand new BMW M5 and M6. Replacing the old, larger V-10 engine, BMW was mindful of the fact governments and customers expected more fuel efficient operations. The twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine in the M5 sedan and M6 is a 560-horsepower rush made possible by M TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW M5 twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 is supported by direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control making the engine a technological masterpiece.

Propelling the BMW M5 to 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds, the German automaker use of turbocharging allowed the car to achieve 30 percent better fuel economy than its previous M5 model.

Audi 3.0 TDI Engine

With diesel-powered cars so popular in Europe, automakers operating in the region have realized turbochargers as a measure to give these vehicles more desirable fuel economy. Since non-turbocharged diesel engines have a noticeable horsepower lagging compared to the equivalent-displacement of a gasoline engine, a turbocharger makes diesel power refreshingly more potent.

While the TDI engine debuted in 1989 on the Audi 100, the premium German auto brand had actually been selling turbocharged diesel engined vehicles for several years prior. Originally existing in a five-cylinder configuration, Audi migrated the TDI technology to a six-cylinder layout in 1997. While Audi vehicles powered with TDI engine was respected for being good driving cars, the latest announcement of the SQ5 crossover vehicle in Europe changes the existence of turbocharged diesel on the roadway.

The first time Audi is using the S model badge with a TDI for production, the Audi SQ5 moves unlike any other diesel-powered crossover. Similar performance-geared TDI engine technology incorporated on the SQ5 has been the centerpiece of the Audi Sport prototype sports car program for over half of dozen years. Featuring a twin-turbocharged layout, the 3.0 TDI engine pumps out 313-horsepower and delivers up to 479 pounds-feet of torque through the Audi SQ5’s quattro drive. As well as being powerful, the 3.0 TDI is coupled with start-stop technology and a high efficiency 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. Set to be capable of top speed up to 155 miles per hour, the anticipated performance twin-turbocharged diesel Audi SQ5 (set for release in early 2013) is not present planned for sale in North America.

Nissan 3.8 liter Twin-Turbo V-6

Japanese auto manufacturers made turbochargers look cool during the 1980s and 1990s using the forced-air induction technology to feed smaller four-cylinder as well as rotary engines. In the late 1980s, a twin-turbocharged Nissan Skyline called the GT-R came to life when the auto company wanted to challenge the Porsche 959. Factory set at 276-horsepower, racing competitors and sport compact car enthusiasts during the 1990s found ways to extract considerably more horsepower from the twin-turbocharged engine. When Nissan wanted world-besting supercar, the twin-turbocharged configuration found its way under the hood of the present Nissan GT-R.

Entering the United States marketplace with 478-horsepower channelled through an ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system, the Nissan GT-R has been gradually tweaking up the performance. For the 2013 model year, the Nissan GT-R’s 3.8 liter twin-turbocharged V-6 powerplant will come alive with 545 horsepower in addition to 463 pounds-feet of torque. The high-performance GT-R incorporates an advanced oil cooling system meant to guard the turbochargers against overheating. The hand-assembled 3.8 liter engine represents the pinnacle of Nissan performance.

Information and photo source: Audi AG, BMW AG, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan North America

Reviews of the 2013 Cadillac ATS are rolling in, and so far they appear to be very positive. While a verdict isn’t in on where it stands in direct comparison, word is the car is right up there with long-time segment leader the 3-Series. The ATS is the smallest Cadillac in years (can we please just pretend Cimmaron never existed?) and arguably the best.

It slots in as a direct competitor to the 3-Series, leaving the CTS to move up to compete versus the 5-Series. While many of us are fixated on ATS, Automotive News is reporting on what’s next for Cadillac – a flagship. You might remember that Caddy is debuting its “bookends” this year – ATS at the low end, XTS at the high-end.

But, while the XTS will be Caddy’s most expensive sedan (for now), it was never designed to be the brand’s flagship. That role is being left to the rear-wheel drive Omega. We’ve heard about this car in various forms for years, ever since the Sixteen Concept debuted. Zeta was often bandied about as a basis platform. Instead of Zeta, a Cadillac-exclusive platform is being developed for the car, and it is dubbed Omega.

The Ciel Concept was a preview of Cadillac’s thinking regarding a new flagship. Approval of a flagship would be a huge step forward both symbolically and substantively. These image cars serve as important halos for the rest of the lineup, and would serve as a powerful symbol of Cadillac’s resurgence. The lineup has been barren for years – the mid-size CTS has been Cadillac’s only truly competitive sedan throughout the past decade. That is about to change with the ATS and XTS arriving, leading us to believe Cadillac’s current sales levels are much more of a floor than a ceiling. Caddy’s numbers are remarkably robust given its model count. As the lineup gets fleshed out, sales will rise significantly. The flagship can’t come soon enough – AN reports it is scheduled for a debut in 2015.