Car Buying Online

For quite a while now safety has been linked to Volvo as a leader but Cadillac is taking their owners safety to new technological levels that are one step ahead of the pack.

GM’s Safety Feature Tour shows that Cadillac puts protection first for owners.

Adaptive cruise control, intelligent airbags, Stabilitrak are just a few of the features that help to ensure Cadillac vehicles deliver safe and confident performance.

Some features on a car can be operated and enjoyed every day. Things like the car’s stereo system, climate control, seating and other functional features comprise the interface between man and machine, and ultimately that vehicle’s character.

Then again, there are features that owners hope they never have to use. Airbags and crumple zones, for instance, are there for a reason- though they aren’t the type of feature you’ll ever want to test. Thankfully, there are also features like stability control and adaptive cruise control to help ensure you never do.

Here’s a look at a few key technologies that Cadillac proudly offers to keep owners safely in control.

StabiliTrak: A stability control system, StabiliTrak keeps an eye on various vehicle systems to gauge the driver’s intentions and the attitude of the car on the road. By monitoring speed and steering inputs, the system is able to instantly detect a situation which could cause a loss of control or a skid, and correct it before it becomes a bigger problem. By reducing engine power, paralyzing the throttle, or applying selected brakes to help re-gain control, StabiliTrak works with your safe driving to act as an electronic guardian angel.

Adaptive Cruise Control: On models fitted with adaptive cruise control, the car can automatically slow itself down as it approaches another vehicle in traffic, allowing drivers to keep their hands safely on the wheel and adding convenience and peace of mind to the driving experience.

All Wheel Drive: Providing additional traction for inclement weather, Cadillac’s intelligent all wheel drive (AWD) system provides a deeper grip on the road while requiring no driver input for its operation. It seamlessly, intelligently and automatically divvies up engine power between the axles, leaving owners little more than to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Lane Departure Warning: A built-in alarm can warn careless, dozy or inattentive drivers when they’re straying from their lane on the highway. A beeper sounds, indicating that the vehicle has left its marked lane without a signal. Everyone can use a hand once in a while, after all!

Voice Command / Heads Up Display: Allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is a great way to increase safety on the road. That’s why selected Cadillac models are available with features like a Heads Up Display (HUD) and voice-command. Vital running data like vehicle speed, cruise control settings and navigation information are displayed virtually against the windshield by the HUD- just like in a fighter jet. Drivers simply focus their eyes in to the information to see it, and back to the road when finished- no looking down required.

Voice command, additionally, allows drivers to control various functions in the vehicle by simple voice commands as opposed to looking and reaching for a button or switch.

GM Connection

If you’re looking for a great combination sport- sedan then you have to make sure you take a look at the Power and style for the new RWD Pontiac sedan put out by GM, it’s a real treat for the eyes but even nicer for the lucky person driving it!

Large rear-drive cars are coming back in a big way- and Pontiac is gearing up to release its own take on the re-emerging muscle sedan. As a replacement to the long-lived Grand Prix, the new Pontiac G8 will boast a selection of advanced engines and safety features alongside the stirring sense of style that has defined the brand for generations.

With its focused and intense fascia, hood-scoops and bumper ducting, the G8 communicates some unmistakably powerful intentions. The wheels are pushed right out to the corners, and the car looks as though it’s coiled back to pounce. This one’s going to cause quite a stir.

G8 will be sold in both base and GT models that combine form and function with world-class fit and finish. Pontiac promises the highest quality inside and out, as well as comfort convenience and sophistication not typical in the price range.

The G8 show car originally unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show last year is representative of the production GT model. It featured a uniquely configured 6- litre small-block V-8, rated at 362 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode is standard, and the engine features the fuel-saving Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which enhances fuel economy by seamlessly switching from eight-cylinder to four-cylinder operation when appropriate.

An optional six-speed manual transmission, like that featured on the G8 show car, will be available soon after launch and GT models also feature a standard limited-slip rear differential. The base G8 model is powered by a 3.6L DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing, rated at 261 horsepower and comes paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.

G8’s four-wheel independent suspension system employs a MacPherson strut design in the front and a four-link coil-over-shock design in the rear. Tuning is specific for both the base and GT models, but both models use a direct-acting front stabilizer bar, decoupled rear stabilizer bar and lateral ball joints on the rear suspension. This system delivers increased lateral stiffness for enhanced handling. In a nutshell, this is a machine that’s going to handle uncharacteristically well for its size.

While the show car includes some unique features, the production Pontiac G8 lineup will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control, electronic stability control, 18 or 19 inch wheels and a full arsenal of intelligent airbags. GM’s OnStar is on duty to add peace of mind to any voyage, while an XM Satellite Radio entertainment system brings a huge selection of music right to owner’s fingertips. Optionally available is a 230 watt Blaupunkt™ 6-disc CD player with 11 speakers- including two 8″ subwoofers to dial up the noise.

Pontiac G8 arrives in dealerships in early 2008.

www.gmconnection.ca

For you Jaguar lovers out there here’s a really good overview of the new Jaguar XL and XL Special Edition by Noah Joseph an Autoblog.com author.

Along with the new XKR Portfolio, Jaguar will also debut the 2009 XJ Portfolio in Geneva. The Portfolio trim level first appeared on the Jaguar Super V8 in 2005, itself previewed by the Concept Eight show car from the 2004 New York auto show. However whereas previous editions were available only on with the 400hp 4.2-liter supercharged V8, the latest iteration is available with or without the blower.

The 2009 XJ Portfolio can be had in either black or gold and comes with the same 20″ wheels as its two-door counterpart. The contrasting milled aluminum side-vents that have since made the leap to the new standard XJ sedan feature again on the Portfolio, along with chromed mirror housing. The inside is done up in blue with beige piping or vise versa, with oak veneer, Alston headliner and “leaper” logos and Portfolio badging abound. Naturally the premium package also comes with all the electronic bells and whistles, and can be ordered now for summer delivery.

For even more info, check out the press release below!!

PRESS RELEASE

JAGUAR XJ PORTFOLIO SPECIAL EDITION

Built in limited numbers to offer new levels of luxury, craftsmanship and exclusivity, the XJ Portfolio is characterized by premium quality materials and exquisite attention to detail.

• Portfolio is a name that defines a series of highly luxurious special edition vehicles from Jaguar. The 2009 MY XJ Portfolio - shown for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in march 2008 - goes on sale in selected markets from Summer 2008

• Lightweight advanced aluminum construction and an acclaimed supercharged V8 engine offer driver-focused dynamic performance

• All XJ Portfolio models come with Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a self-leveling air suspension to ensure impeccable control and ride

• The unique exterior styling includes Celestial Black or Astral Gold paint colors, bespoke 20-inch Selena alloy wheels with red Jaguar ‘Heritage’ badge, milled aluminum side power vents, chrome mirror caps and Portfolio trunk lid signature badge

• Inside, the XJ Portfolio comprises a sumptuous blend of luxury and sporting cues with two exclusive interior trim options – Navy with Champagne piping and Navy carpets or Ivory with Navy piping and Navy carpets.

• Other Portfolio interior touches include a cabin trimmed in Rich Oak veneer with Portfolio motif on passenger airbag lid; Navy leather and alloy gearshift with alloy surround; luxury carpet mats with contrast leather edges and Jaguar ‘Leaper’ logo; embossed Jaguar ‘Leaper’ logo on headrests; stitched leather door casings; Alston luxury headliner; unique front treadplates with Portfolio script.

• Premium specification includes individually heated and cooled front seats; 7-inch Touch-screen, Jaguar premium sound system and dual-zone climate control systems; Bluetooth® connectivity for up to five separate telephones; JaguarVoiceTM, Adaptive Cruise Control and rear multimedia system with DVD player and twin display screens (depending on market).

Jaguar’s commitment to creating beautiful, fast cars continues with the introduction of the new XJ Portfolio - first revealed on the Super V8 Portfolio special edition in 2005.

Already renowned for its all-aluminum body construction, state-of-the-art technologies and outstanding craftsmanship and build quality, the new XJ Portfolio is now even more desirable thanks to its unique exterior and interior styling cues.

Luxury, elegance and dynamic performance are XJ signatures. The XJ Portfolio adds a host of bespoke design cues and styling features that set it apart. The exterior is painted in either Celestial Black or Astral Gold, with contrasting side power vents in milled aluminum. A distinctive profile is completed by new 20″ Selena alloy wheels featuring red Jaguar ‘Heritage’ center badges.

XJ Portfolio’s dynamic excellence is underpinned by XJ’s all-aluminum monocoque body construction and highly advanced chassis and suspension. Lightness with strength and exceptional rigidity provide a platform for remarkable agility and performance, as well as safety, improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and a self-leveling air suspension ensure impeccable control and a ride that is involving yet composed and refined.

In the U.S., the 2009MY XJ Portfolio is available with Jaguar’s highly acclaimed 4.2-liter V8 supercharged (400bhp SAE) or the naturally aspirated V8 engine. In either derivative, the XJ Portfolio offers effortless performance and exceptional refinement.

XJ Portfolio’s individuality is further reflected in a luxurious interior characterized by premium quality materials and exquisite attention to detail. The hand-crafted Rich Oak veneer is new to XJ Portfolio, and there is the choice of two unique interior themes – Navy or Ivory. Each features contrast piping to the softgrain leather upholstery, special twin-stitched door casings and headrests embossed with the Jaguar ‘Leaper’ design. The alloy gear selector, with aluminum gearshift surround, is also trimmed with Navy leather, and there are ‘Portfolio’ branded treadplates and special leather-edged carpet mats.

And XJ Portfolio’s premium specification includes individually heated and cooled front seats; 7-inch Touch-screen operation of the satellite navigation, Jaguar premium sound and dual-zone climate control systems; Bluetooth® connectivity for up to five separate telephones; JaguarVoiceTM, Adaptive Cruise Control, and rear multimedia system with DVD player and twin display screens (depending on market).

The Jaguar XJ Portfolio is available to order now.

With the many different types of vehicles coming out, there are a lot of discrepancies between the sizes of the vehicles. These differences are proving to be a complete mismatch when two of these models run into each other. This often leaves the people who own cars in a very vulnerable and dangerous position, but new side-impact airbag regulations are in the works to improve the odds in these types of scenarios, as described in the following article:

New rules protect vehicles and occupants from sucker punch:

When an SUV hits a passenger car in the side, occupants of the car often are killed or suffer severe head injuries. The government is moving to make car occupants safer with new side-impact regulations.

A new 4-foot 11-inch crash-test dummy, named for NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeffrey Runge’s mother, Irma, will play the part of small stature females, children and the elderly in the crash testing. For the first time, Dr. Runge said, Vince, a crash-test dummy with the proportions of an average man, will be equipped to register brain injury in side-impact testing. Sixty percent of all fatalities in these crashes are the result of head injuries.

Big Against Small:

The auto industry, NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have been voluntarily working to address the question of compatibility between cars and trucks. Side curtain airbags that protect both the front and back passengers and protect the head and torso seem at this point to be the best protection. Many of the current side airbags, though, do not inflate deeply enough to protect a small-stature female or a child. Irma will be testing this.

“The side impact rule is going to be the most life-saving rule that I will participate in during my tenure at the agency,” Runge said. Once the rule is fully in place in the fleet, “we expect [it] to save between 700 and 1000 lives a year. I am very excited about this rule.” The proposed regulatory upgrade could become a final rule as early as 2005, with a phase-in for all new vehicles beginning after publication of a final rule. It would come at an estimated cost to the auto industry of $1.6 billion to $3.6 billion.

Impact Testing:

The current side-impact test rams a 3,000 barrier at 33.5 mph into the side of cars and trucks weighing up to 6,000 pounds. NHTSA is proposing a new test that will ram vehicles sideways into a fixed pole at 18 to 20 mph and would mimic the effects of crashes with taller vehicles, trees or utility poles on vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.

“We expect that this rigorous requirement will spur the introduction of a comprehensive array of technologies for side-impact protection. The proposal represents a major step toward safer vehicles,” said Dr. Runge.

Automaker Commitment:

NHTSA regulations do not require specific technologies to meet its performance standards, but manufacturers would likely meet this upgraded rule with various types of innovative head, chest and pelvis protection systems, such as side airbags. Although more than half of 2004 model year cars and light trucks already provide optional head-protection airbags, it is not clear whether those bags can meet the new standards, particularly with the small stature dummy. NHTSA research showed that many current airbags tested in the new pole test could not save a child-sized dummy from sustaining nearly five times the maximum head injury, because the side curtains did not extend far enough down in the passenger cabin to protect the child’s head.

In April, the IIHS released its first results for car models struck in the side by a truck-size metal barrier. Ten of the 13 midsize cars received the worst rating representing likely death or injury to occupants. Last year IIHS ran a side impact test at 31 mph with the Subaru Forester. Its combination torso/head airbag system protected the driver.

Brian O’Neill, president of IIHS said, “no one knows what to do right now (to make) the front of a SUV or pickup truck…less harmful to occupants in a car.” He believes that SUVs that have high-frame rails must be redesigned, so that the frame rails come down and align with the bumper zone specified by the federal standards, or install a blocker beam like the Ford Motor Company has done. “If the frame rail on a SUV misses the frame rail on a car, you don’t have compatibility. There is a commitment by manufacturers to have frame rails over-lock the bumper zone as specified by the federal standards and many already do.”

The IIHS and NHTSA testing programs along with the automaker’s commitment to find a solution to side-impact fatalities, O’Neill feels, will accelerate the introduction of side-impact airbags. IIHS believes the airbags designed to protect heads are very effective and can reduce driver fatality by 45 percent. Most of the real-world data that led to the 45-percent estimate were combo bags, which combine torso and head bags. But there are reasons to prefer the curtain-style airbags because they also offer rear seat coverage where combo bags do not.

by Cathy Nikkel / autoMedia.com