Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Cadillac, Luxury
Less than a month ago, the Chevrolet Camaro scored a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It did so by scoring a five stars in every individual crash test administered, becoming the first car to earn perfect scores across the board since the NHTSA crash test procedures were revised in 2011.
Now another vehicle in the General Motors stable has scored top marks on the frontal, side and rollover crash tests on its way to a five-star overall rating: the Cadillac ATS (in both rear- and all-wheel-drive variants). As for the Cadillac's other 2013 model year competition, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class hasn't yet finished its test, the BMW 3 Series scored five-stars overall but received a four-star rating in the frontal crash test, and the Audi A4 in both front- and all-wheel drive received, like the ATS, five stars across the board.
2013 Cadillac ATS earns rare perfect score in NHTSA crash tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Technology, Crossover, Cadillac, Luxury, Infotainment
Infotainment systems have come a long way in improving connectivity and entertainment for front-seat passengers, but Cadillac is about to show what they can do for those sitting in the back seat. The 2013 Cadillac SRX is already being upgraded to include the automaker's new CUE system, but now General Motors has confirmed that this popular crossover will also get an optional CUE-based rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-Ray DVD player.
The new entertainment system uses an eight-inch touchscreen up front and dual independent monitors for rear passengers, and it can connect to up to 10 devices via Bluetooth. Rear controls for the system include two power outlets, an SD card slot, a USB port and auxiliary audio jacks. The rear remote has also been redesigned with kids in mind with a video-game-controller appearance, and even the wireless headphones for the rear passengers have been updated for improved comfort and volume control.
Customers checking the box on this package will have to come up with an extra $1,595, and it is not available on the base SRX trim level. Scroll down to read more on this new entertainment system in GM's press release.
Continue reading GM announces new entertainment package for 2013 Cadillac SRX
GM announces new entertainment package for 2013 Cadillac SRX originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Videos, Cadillac, Luxury
In case you haven't got enough of the 2014 Cadillac CTS that just debuted at the New York Auto Show, Cadillac has let us have some rolling footage of the car around its test track along with a few words from VP of marketing Don Butler and executive director of design Mark Adams.
You won't learn much more about its 420-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 but you can hear how it growls in the rain, and you can get a better idea of how you'll look in the driver's seat giving it a workout. That's got to be worth something, right? You'll find both videos just below.
Continue reading Watch the 2014 Cadillac CTS get its groove on in the rain
Watch the 2014 Cadillac CTS get its groove on in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: SUV, Cadillac, GM, Design/Style, Luxury
Within the next year or so, Cadillac will be launching its fourth-generation Escalade, and the SUV will be entering into a very different market than the one its predecessor first encountered in 2006. Over its history, General Motors' most expensive SUV has carved out a high-profile, highly profitable niche for itself as a larger-than-life, flamboyant style statement. But the next Escalade will dial back the chrome and the overtly conspicuous design that made it popular among attention-grabbing celebrities. Instead, General Motors' North American President, Mark Reuss, says the 2014/2015 Escalade will be "much less ostentatious" to be better in-step with the times.
At a media roundtable held earlier today at GM's downtown Detroit world headquarters, Reuss told Autoblog that Cadillac is changing its design tack with the next Escalade because there has been a "permanent mindset change about what luxury looks like." The new luxury, it follows, is more substantive and less showy, with a greater emphasis on efficiency. As a consequence, the Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine." Indeed, spy shots of the next Escalade suggest that the truck's design will still have gobs of presence, including a massive front grille and an intimidating stance marked out by large wheels.
The Escalade will be "understated yet elegant," though Reuss was quick to assert that the SUV's new design "is not feminine."
Reuss cautions that even though GM is targeting a more refined visual and driving experience, the Escalade will still hold appeal for current owners, with a much more upscale interior and the same high ride height that buyers have come to know and love. And as the Escalade will remain a body-on-frame truck with V8 power, it should still maintain its workhorse capabilities for those who tow regularly, despite posting sizable efficiency gains.
At the same roundtable, Cadillac's new Global Vice President, Robert E. Ferguson, noted that the current Escalade has a surprisingly diverse ownership base, with clusters around both single males and mothers with young children. The next-gen Escalade will look to better leverage that spectrum of buyers, with GM hoping that its "audience will expand significantly." In order to court that broader consumer base, Reuss points out that the new Escalade also "won't be marketed the same as we did five years ago."
Of course, GM isn't looking to abandon core customers that helped make Escalade one of the industry's most recognizable nameplates. To that end, Reuss assured Autoblog that "there will continue to be a place and trim" for the model's traditional customers who were drawn to the current Escalade's splashier style.
GM's Reuss: Next Cadillac Escalade to be "much less ostentatious" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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SRX going trough the paces
Cadillac SRX Gets IIHS Top Safety Pick
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2010 Cadillac SRX: Top Safety Pick by IIHS
By Mike Magrath
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety finally got their hands on a 2010 Cadillac SRX (mfg after May 2010) and proceeded to crush it from various angles, including the new roof-strength test.
In order to score a 'good' on the test, a vehicle must be able to resist four-times the weight of the vehicle with less than 5-inches of roof deformation. The SRX withstood a pressure of 4.14 times its weight. Federal roof-crush standards require only 1.5 times the vehicles weight. The last 2010 Cadillac SRX we tested weighed 4,292 pounds.
The 2010 SRX joins the Audi Q5, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex (after Jan 2010), GMC Terrain (after March 2010), Kia Sorento, 2011 Jeep Cherokee, and Volvo XC60 as IIHS Top Safety Picks.
LINK
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2010 Cadillac SRX: Top Safety Pick by IIHS
By Mike Magrath
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety finally got their hands on a 2010 Cadillac SRX (mfg after May 2010) and proceeded to crush it from various angles, including the new roof-strength test.
In order to score a 'good' on the test, a vehicle must be able to resist four-times the weight of the vehicle with less than 5-inches of roof deformation. The SRX withstood a pressure of 4.14 times its weight. Federal roof-crush standards require only 1.5 times the vehicles weight. The last 2010 Cadillac SRX we tested weighed 4,292 pounds.
The 2010 SRX joins the Audi Q5, Chevrolet Equinox, Dodge Journey, Ford Flex (after Jan 2010), GMC Terrain (after March 2010), Kia Sorento, 2011 Jeep Cherokee, and Volvo XC60 as IIHS Top Safety Picks.
LINK
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2011 CTS Coupe
Originally Posted by Press Release
DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will provide owners of all 2011 models with frequently required maintenance services for the first four years or 50,000 miles as it seeks to build the best customer service experience in the luxury segment.
The program, called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and a multi-point vehicle inspection.
“Cadillac is adding Premium Care Maintenance as a way to extend customer service beyond the sale,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. “The program is designed to raise satisfaction for owners by ensuring access to expert service. It should lead to higher loyalty rates for dealers by establishing them as a valued resource for our customers.”
Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance launches with the arrival of the 2011 model Cadillacs. The CTS family, which is being expanded this year to include the all-new CTS Coupe, will be the first of the 2011 models to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late summer.
Premium Care Maintenance is the latest in a host of Cadillac initiatives that elevate the luxury ownership experience. It joins other Cadillac customer service and ownership benefits including:
Five-year, 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty along with standard 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
Four-year, 50,000-mile vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage.
Standard one-year OnStar Directions and Connections plan, which includes Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Vehicle Diagnostics and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
Standard XM Radio with a three month trial.
In 2009, Cadillac placed second in the industry in both the Sales Satisfaction Index and Customer Satisfaction Index studies from J.D. Power & Associates. A survey by AutoPacific of 2010 new vehicle buyers rated Cadillac No. 1 in total satisfaction.
“Cadillac rates among the industry’s best in customer satisfaction, but we have room for improvement,” McNeil said. “Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance is another step in our goal to set the standard for the industry in customer service.”
DETROIT – Cadillac announced today it will provide owners of all 2011 models with frequently required maintenance services for the first four years or 50,000 miles as it seeks to build the best customer service experience in the luxury segment.
The program, called Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance, covers scheduled oil changes, tire rotations, replacement of engine and cabin air filters and a multi-point vehicle inspection.
“Cadillac is adding Premium Care Maintenance as a way to extend customer service beyond the sale,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president of Cadillac sales and service. “The program is designed to raise satisfaction for owners by ensuring access to expert service. It should lead to higher loyalty rates for dealers by establishing them as a valued resource for our customers.”
Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance launches with the arrival of the 2011 model Cadillacs. The CTS family, which is being expanded this year to include the all-new CTS Coupe, will be the first of the 2011 models to arrive at U.S. dealerships in late summer.
Premium Care Maintenance is the latest in a host of Cadillac initiatives that elevate the luxury ownership experience. It joins other Cadillac customer service and ownership benefits including:
Five-year, 100,000-mile Powertrain warranty along with standard 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
Four-year, 50,000-mile vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage.
Standard one-year OnStar Directions and Connections plan, which includes Automatic Crash Response, Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Vehicle Diagnostics and Stolen Vehicle Assistance.
Standard XM Radio with a three month trial.
In 2009, Cadillac placed second in the industry in both the Sales Satisfaction Index and Customer Satisfaction Index studies from J.D. Power & Associates. A survey by AutoPacific of 2010 new vehicle buyers rated Cadillac No. 1 in total satisfaction.
“Cadillac rates among the industry’s best in customer satisfaction, but we have room for improvement,” McNeil said. “Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance is another step in our goal to set the standard for the industry in customer service.”
2011 CTS Coupe
There was a time when General Motors was a design leader. Before the Aztek, before the Catera, before the Sunfire and before the Citation, GM was synonymous with bold, strong, emotional automotive design. The General was so good at it that in the 1950s it was able to flood dealerships and stress factories just by tweaking a given model's sheetmetal a few shades. Imagine anyone caring about a new rear end on a 2011 Chevy Malibu. Yet the revised bodywork of the 1956 Bel Air was a major cultural phenomenon.
The name Harley Earl – the legendary head of GM design from 1927 until 1958 – still strikes reverence into the hearts of many. One glance at his famed Buick Y-Job, a 1949 Cadillac or the original Corvette is enough to see why. Earl's parting shot was the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado – the one with the tail fins that could nearly touch the moon. Then you have Earl's successor, Bill Mitchell, the man responsible for the third generation Corvette, the 1966 Toronado and the magnificent boattail Buick Riviera.
For a variety of reasons, in the 1970s General Motors and striking design parted ways. GM's styling wandered through the desert, swapping glitz, purpose and chrome for tighter profit margins, increased badge engineering and a large patina of plain ol' dull. All you need to do is take a gander at the third-generation B-bodies to see how far GM went in the wrong direction. Let's not even mention cladding.
For the last decade or so there have been signs of hope. Vehicles like the Chevrolet SSR, Pontiac Solstice, C6 Corvette and the new Camaro were proof that GM and great design are on the road to reconciliation. As a division, Cadillac has made the biggest strides with their Art and Science design motif, showing great signs of life. The front end of the second generation CTS is fantastic. From a pure design point of view, and with the possible exception of the now dead Pontiac Solstice, no General Motors product has been world class since Mitchell retired in 1977.
That changes now. Meet the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.
Follow link for entire article.
The name Harley Earl – the legendary head of GM design from 1927 until 1958 – still strikes reverence into the hearts of many. One glance at his famed Buick Y-Job, a 1949 Cadillac or the original Corvette is enough to see why. Earl's parting shot was the 1959 Cadillac Eldorado – the one with the tail fins that could nearly touch the moon. Then you have Earl's successor, Bill Mitchell, the man responsible for the third generation Corvette, the 1966 Toronado and the magnificent boattail Buick Riviera.
For a variety of reasons, in the 1970s General Motors and striking design parted ways. GM's styling wandered through the desert, swapping glitz, purpose and chrome for tighter profit margins, increased badge engineering and a large patina of plain ol' dull. All you need to do is take a gander at the third-generation B-bodies to see how far GM went in the wrong direction. Let's not even mention cladding.
For the last decade or so there have been signs of hope. Vehicles like the Chevrolet SSR, Pontiac Solstice, C6 Corvette and the new Camaro were proof that GM and great design are on the road to reconciliation. As a division, Cadillac has made the biggest strides with their Art and Science design motif, showing great signs of life. The front end of the second generation CTS is fantastic. From a pure design point of view, and with the possible exception of the now dead Pontiac Solstice, no General Motors product has been world class since Mitchell retired in 1977.
That changes now. Meet the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.
Follow link for entire article.
Schepel Buick GMC Cadillac earned top marks from Buick GMC as one of the top dealerships in the nation for 2010. Schepel received the Mark of Excellence as the No. 1 Buick dealership in sales, the No. 1 GMC dealership in sales, the top sales in used cars, the best sales in fleet and commercial vehicles and top customer satisfaction in the Chicagoland area.
Schepel Helps Mary Kay Present Pink Cadillacs
Check out all the photos online at Schepel's Facebook Page
2012 Pink Cadillac SRX vehicles for Mary Kay
Mary Kay independent Sales Force Members, Mary Kathryn King and Julie Wojcik of Valparaiso and Michigan City, received the keys to 2 new 2012 Cadillac SRX's- in customary Mary Kay Pink- in recognition for having achieved Mary Kay's "Cadillac Level" sales award.
"For more than forty years, the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac has been an iconic symbol of success," said Jason Boone Cadillac Sales Manager at Schepel. "As such, it's the most sought-after prize among Mary Kay's two-million independent sales force members. Our team here at Schepel Cadillac is honored to play a role in carrying on the tradition of rewarding success, which is what Cadillac is all about."
Founder Mary Kay Ash was a big believer in rewarding top independent sales force members with cars, dream vacations, diamonds and other lavish items she often referred to as "Cinderella gifts." Among these, the most iconic and enduring symbol of independent sales force member's success is the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac, which was the brainchild of Mary Kay Ash herself back in 1969.
The delivery of Mary Kathryn's and Julie's prestigious award was accompanied by a brief ceremony, which included the unveiling of their all new Cadillac SRX crossovers, and was attended by several close friends as well as colleagues from the local Mary Kay sales unit.
"Earning the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac is a major event in the life and career of a Mary Kay independent sales force member," said Jason Boone. "It's our privilege at Schepel Cadillac to help celebrate the achievement."
"For more than forty years, the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac has been an iconic symbol of success," said Jason Boone Cadillac Sales Manager at Schepel. "As such, it's the most sought-after prize among Mary Kay's two-million independent sales force members. Our team here at Schepel Cadillac is honored to play a role in carrying on the tradition of rewarding success, which is what Cadillac is all about."
Founder Mary Kay Ash was a big believer in rewarding top independent sales force members with cars, dream vacations, diamonds and other lavish items she often referred to as "Cinderella gifts." Among these, the most iconic and enduring symbol of independent sales force member's success is the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac, which was the brainchild of Mary Kay Ash herself back in 1969.
The delivery of Mary Kathryn's and Julie's prestigious award was accompanied by a brief ceremony, which included the unveiling of their all new Cadillac SRX crossovers, and was attended by several close friends as well as colleagues from the local Mary Kay sales unit.
"Earning the Mary Kay Pink Cadillac is a major event in the life and career of a Mary Kay independent sales force member," said Jason Boone. "It's our privilege at Schepel Cadillac to help celebrate the achievement."
During the fifth annual American Steelworker National Day of Recognition Rich Schepel, of Schepel Buick GMC Cadillac, was honored with an American Flag at the Gary Rail Cats game on August 26th.
The Schepel Dealerships also received honors this year from GM when awarded with the Mark of Excellence as the No. 1 Buick dealership in sales, the No. 1 GMC dealership in sales, the top sales in used cars, the best sales in fleet and commercial vehicles and top customer satisfaction in the Chicago area.
The Schepel Dealerships also received honors this year from GM when awarded with the Mark of Excellence as the No. 1 Buick dealership in sales, the No. 1 GMC dealership in sales, the top sales in used cars, the best sales in fleet and commercial vehicles and top customer satisfaction in the Chicago area.
The Automotive business has gone through a whirlwind of changes in the past year. Consolidating, dealer closing and manufacturer recalls have left many customers confused and have also left many retail buildings unoccupied.
This is not the case at Schepel Automotive Group on Route 30 in Merrillville. For over 40 years the Schepel brand has been a symbol of automotive excellence in the community. As the largest volume Buick and GMC dealer in Chicagoland for nearly 30 years in a row and the #1 Cadillac dealer in Northwest Indiana, The Schepel Automotive Group has now opened Schepel Certified Cars in the former Hummer franchise building.
What makes Schepel Different when it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle?
In a word, VALUE! First, vehicles are priced competitively with all other available vehicles on the market. However, True Value means much more than the best price. After all, is a vehicle that is purchased at a bargain price that becomes a mechanical problem a value? Every Schepel Certified used Vehicle must pass a thorough 117-point inspection and is backed by a 6-month/6,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Every pre-owned vehicle is reconditioned to the Schepel standard or it is wholesaled to another dealer to sell.
While it is true there are never two pre-owned vehicle that are exactly alike, you can count on every Schepel Certified Pre-Owned vehicle to meet exact standards, come with 6-month/6,000 mile warranty coverage and to be backed by one of the best service teams in the industry.
Stop in today and see a sales representative or visit the virtual showroom at SchepelCadillac.com.
This is not the case at Schepel Automotive Group on Route 30 in Merrillville. For over 40 years the Schepel brand has been a symbol of automotive excellence in the community. As the largest volume Buick and GMC dealer in Chicagoland for nearly 30 years in a row and the #1 Cadillac dealer in Northwest Indiana, The Schepel Automotive Group has now opened Schepel Certified Cars in the former Hummer franchise building.
What makes Schepel Different when it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle?
In a word, VALUE! First, vehicles are priced competitively with all other available vehicles on the market. However, True Value means much more than the best price. After all, is a vehicle that is purchased at a bargain price that becomes a mechanical problem a value? Every Schepel Certified used Vehicle must pass a thorough 117-point inspection and is backed by a 6-month/6,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Every pre-owned vehicle is reconditioned to the Schepel standard or it is wholesaled to another dealer to sell.
While it is true there are never two pre-owned vehicle that are exactly alike, you can count on every Schepel Certified Pre-Owned vehicle to meet exact standards, come with 6-month/6,000 mile warranty coverage and to be backed by one of the best service teams in the industry.
Stop in today and see a sales representative or visit the virtual showroom at SchepelCadillac.com.
The 2012 Cadillac SRX and CTS Sport Sedan have both received 5-Star Overall Vehicle Scores for safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both vehicles were tested under the NHTSA's revised New Car Assessment Program that was implemented for the 2011 model year.
GM executive director of Vehicle Safety said, "Receiving five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat - one that clearly demonstrates the strength of the SRX and CTS advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of the models' state-of-the-art safety technologies."
Read more about this great accomplishment at the link above!
GM executive director of Vehicle Safety said, "Receiving five stars under the new rating system is an impressive feat - one that clearly demonstrates the strength of the SRX and CTS advanced structure, overall crashworthiness and effectiveness of the models' state-of-the-art safety technologies."
Read more about this great accomplishment at the link above!
Schepel Auto Show Draws Hundreds of Entries and Raises $18K for Elim Christian Services
Full Story Here at NWI Times Online
Schepel's Auto Show Winner!
Schepel hosted their 16th Annual Auto Show benefiting Elim Christian Services on June 18th and by all measures the show was a success! Over 300 entries were received for vehicles in over 30 categories raising $18,000 for the Elim Christian Services agency, based in Palos Heights, IL.
Elim Christian Services serves the needs of developmentally disabled children and adults with such disabilities as Downs Syndrome and autism.
Both admission to the family-friendly event and food were free, and more than 2,400 hot dogs were served that day, Tom VanProoyen, owner of Schepel said. The $18,000 raised during the event came from the $25 per vehicle entry fee as well as donations given by attendees.
Check out the link above the photo to read the full story by Lu Ann Franklin at the NWI Times.
Elim Christian Services serves the needs of developmentally disabled children and adults with such disabilities as Downs Syndrome and autism.
Both admission to the family-friendly event and food were free, and more than 2,400 hot dogs were served that day, Tom VanProoyen, owner of Schepel said. The $18,000 raised during the event came from the $25 per vehicle entry fee as well as donations given by attendees.
Check out the link above the photo to read the full story by Lu Ann Franklin at the NWI Times.
