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LOS ANGELES – The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover is making its simultaneous global debut at the 2015 Los Angeles and Guangzhou international motor shows – signalling the next phase of the company’s global growth strategy.

Created for a new generation of premium buyers who appreciate category-defying design inside and out, the QX30 boasts a purposeful appearance that makes a bold visual statement as part of Infiniti’s premium model line-up.

Remaining true to the powerful and elegant design cues that guided the original QX30 concept, the car’s highly sculpted exterior, unique crossover stance and asymmetric cabin design exemplify Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development.

In addition to its striking appearance, the QX30 offers an elevated ride height, confidence-inspiring handling and a versatile attitude, underpinned by an intelligent all-wheel drive system. As a result, the vehicle is able to take on urban, suburban and winding rural roads in all driving conditions.

The next step for Infiniti in the premium compact segment
“With our recent sales successes and record growth, the current product offensive will further strengthenInfiniti’s global market position. The active crossover, QX30, will broaden our offer to new customers around the world.”
Roland Krueger, President of Infiniti

Further fulfilling Infiniti’s promise to expand its product line-up based on popular concept car designs, the arrival of the QX30 premium active crossover comes at a moment of opportunity for the Infiniti brand. The QX30 will play an integral role in Infiniti’s promise to offer customers a broader range of premium products. The QX30 adds another dimension to Infiniti’s premium model line-up and will play a vital role in the brand’s global growth.

In the first 10 months of 2015, Infiniti sold almost 173,000 new vehicles worldwide, representing an increase of 16 percent compared to the same period in 2014. The 32,200 vehicles sold in China means Infiniti has already exceeded its full-year 2014 figure in the world’s largest car market, while in the U.S. Infiniti sold more than 106,700 vehicles, the best sales results in the country since 2005.
 
Global sales of 18,400 units in October represented an increase of 20 percent over the same month in the previous year, and continued a 14-month run of best individual months on record for Infiniti, including the best October sales in history for many regions and markets such as the Americas, China, Mexico, and Western Europe.

As a member of the new premium family, the QX30 gives Infiniti a great platform from which to achieve its goals in key markets globally. It will be built at new manufacturing facilities in Sunderland, UK, becoming part of Infiniti’s first car production in Europe.

The high demands of premium vehicle manufacturing require significant investment and a highly skilled workforce. Establishing a production base for the Infiniti QX30 represented a new $1.9 billion (£250 million) commitment in plant extensions totalling over 88,000 square feet (25,000m2). A successful recruitment program was conducted, filling over 300 new jobs to support production, while 4,000 existing production line staff members were given special training to meet exacting Infiniti standards.

Attracting a new type of premium car buyer
“We have identified a new generation of premium buyers and have positioned QX30 as a personalized premium option to suit a varied range of needs. The car is as much at home in the city as it is outside of urban environments, inspiring confidence with its ‘ready-to-go-anywhere’ attitude.”
Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President Product Strategy

Infiniti is targeting a new generation of premium buyers with the new QX30. The premium crossover segment is currently among the fastest-expanding markets globally, and Generations X and Y will represent the majority of buyers in this segment by 2020. For them, the car is an expression of “self” rather than “status,” and they remain open to new, category-defying concepts.

The QX30 will hold a unique position in the segment, bridging the gap between premium compact rivals and larger crossover models. Its crossover-style versatility extends from unique design appeal and a wide range of comfort, convenience, safety and dynamic features, including intelligent all-wheel drive. Its elevated ride height and high-stability drivetrain will give confidence to drivers.

This more purposeful, crossover-inspired execution has been achieved without the QX30 losing the premium look and feel that buyers expect of a car in this segment. It maintains its urban appeal, premium fit and finish and seamless integration of Infiniti’s highly expressive design – requisite elements required for the car to succeed in the premium arena.

Category-defying design
The original QX30 concept, which made its international debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, combined the sleek lines of a coupe with the in-command stance of an all-wheel drive crossover. Consistent with Infiniti’s design-led approach to product development, the production version of the QX30 maintains these characterful attributes.

“The category-defying design of the QX30 stays true to the inspiration behind the daring 2015 concept. Its mix of artistry in the flowing lines, and power in the elevated stance and confident look, makes a bold visual statement and challenges current preconceptions of what a crossover should look like.”
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director

The combination of a low-slung roofline, elevated stance and crossover appearance creates a striking visual impact. The versatile stance endows the QX30 with a “go-anywhere” attitude, ready to take on all driving conditions – without compromising the high quality finish that buyers associate with premium rivals.

The QX30 exterior is characterized by dramatic curves and turbulent, sculpted character lines that make an emotional statement, evolving them into new dynamic shapes for a more purposeful appearance. The double-arch grille with three-dimensional mesh draws a flowing, fluid link to the headlamps for a more organic shape.

The lines of the QX30 flow up the double-wave hood, over the fenders, across the bodyline and into the strong shoulders of the car. The overall effect is designed to look stretched over bone and muscle, rather than the straight, “mechanical” lines seen on rival models. Infiniti’s signature C-pillar design forges a dynamic crescent shape that emphasises motion, even when stationary.

The elevated dimensions make for a confident and relaxing drive, while ascribing to the car’s versatile character. An overall height of 60.2 inches (1,530mm) (with standard roof rails) helps improve forward visibility over its rivals, aided by a slim A-pillar design, while the elevated ride allows for a higher hip point, improving ease of ingress and egress.

Other exterior details include newly designed front and rear bumpers and grained side sills for a rugged look, as well as bodywork finished with satin chrome-plated inserts for a premium and high quality metallic finish.

Living in asymmetry and comfort with QX30
“QX30’s asymmetric interior design results in an environment focused on the driver, yet encompassing passengers in such a way as to involve and cater for them, more so than the traditionally isolating designs found in the premium segment.”
Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director

The bold approach Infiniti has taken to design continues inside the QX30, which challenges traditional standards of symmetry with its expressive, modern and dynamic interior.

The asymmetric surfaces feature wave shapes and dynamic lines that twist apart and flow away from the driver. These give an “in-motion” feel when natural light moves over the highly sculpted lines and contrasting materials in the cabin. This “dissymmetry” creates a more pleasant environment in which to spend time.

The most premium materials and processes available have been selected by Infiniti designers in order to create a modern-looking and luxurious cabin. A custom-designed QX30 trim delivers a personalized, self-expressive interior design. The standard interior is finished in high quality black cloth, while optional black or beige Nappa leather delivers an even more premium finish.

Refinement and comfort is also a core appeal of the QX30’s interior. Comfort is guaranteed thanks to an advanced seat design, which makes use of Infiniti’s advanced “spinal support” research. The seat backs have been carefully engineered to match the curvature of the spine, providing consistent spinal support by more equally distributing load across the seat to minimise pressure on back muscles. Meanwhile, a wider fitting shape and soft seat cushion also provides enhanced support. Internal testing carried out by Infiniti engineers showed that the QX30 seat provides greater levels of support and comfort than rivals, reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys.

The QX30’s supreme interior quietness adds to cabin comfort, with some of the lowest noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels in the premium compact segment.

The extensive application of sound-absorbent materials reduces the intrusion of wind, road and unwanted engine noise into the cabin. In addition, closed sections of the high-rigidity body structure protect the QX30 from any negative noise and vibration generated by broken or inconsistent road surfaces.

The result is an incredibly quiet and refined platform, allowing Infiniti engineers to isolate and emphasise the more pleasant and enriching tones of the QX30’s engines under acceleration, without disturbing the calm of the cabin.

A versatile attitude and drivetrain to deal with any challenge
The QX30 is engineered to deliver a confidence-inspiring, dynamic driving experience, aided by intelligent all-wheel drive.

Development of the QX30 started at the brand’s technical center in Japan, before moving to Europe for final validation and testing. In total, over 750 Infiniti engineers in Japan and Europe were involved in the development and testing of the QX30 in a wide variety of roads and environments.

“Our holistic approach to engineering the QX30 has resulted in a car that delivers a precise, ‘in-command’ experience behind the wheel. The finely-tuned chassis and suspension, plus a number of assistive driver technologies, all work together to the benefit of the driver, providing a confident drive in all conditions and surroundings.”
Grahame Cornforth, Infiniti Chief Vehicle Engineer

The QX30’s chassis has been developed to offer a comfortable ride and confident handling in spite of its elevated ride height and ground clearance. Development teams responsible for QX30’s ride and handling worked hard to ensure the car’s dynamic characteristics met with buyers’ expectations of a vehicle that has been engineered to bridge the gap between compacts and crossovers. Its springs and rear anti-roll bar are stiffer, continuing the engineers’ efforts to ensure a flat ride. While the slightly firmer suspension helps to counteract the dynamic effects of a higher center of gravity, the modifications to the chassis enable QX30 to remain comfortable at all speeds and over a variety of road surfaces.

The QX30 comes equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The drivetrain is able to send up to 50 percent of the engine’s power and torque to the rear axle to maintain traction on slippery surfaces and in inclement weather, enhancing a feeling of control and confidence when driving. For example, if sensors detect wheel slip, braking is applied to the slipping wheel, while torque is sent to the gripping wheel for additional stability. Combined with the elevated ground clearance, the QX30’s drivetrain is engineered to deal with all conditions.

Another standard feature is the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission system. The dual-clutch intelligently pre-selects gears so the next shift is always ready to go, while manual mode lets the driver control gear changes when desired. Delivering seamless acceleration at any speed and in any gear, the application of torque is almost uninterrupted during gear changes, reducing lurching while in motion and between shifts.

Depending on market, there will be a choice between responsive diesel and gasoline engines for QX30 buyers – with specific details available closer to launch.

Intuitive technologies enhance an involving, safe driving experience
The QX30 will be among the safest cars in its class owing to a range of active safety and hazard avoidance technologies that enhance the driving experience and provide maximum safety to all occupants. An Around View Monitor with moving object detection and Intelligent Parking Assist makes the QX30 the easiest car to park in its segment.

A special metal plating method allows the radar waves of the Intelligent Cruise Control to pass through the Infiniti badge without disrupting the QX30’s striking appearance with unseemly radar units.

Infiniti’s trademark InTouch infotainment system, first introduced on the pioneering Q50, has been evolved and upgraded for the QX30 for a highly intuitive finger touch and swipe control through a seven-inch touch-screen HMI (human machine interface). Infiniti Voice Recognition interacts with the InTouch infotainment system to control audio and navigation commands.

The Infiniti QX30 premium active crossover will go on sale in selected markets in the middle of 2016.

Please note: All product information contained in this press kit relates to global QX30 information, including technical specifications, powertrains and standard/optional equipment and features. Please contact your country’s Infiniti PR office for product details relevant to your market.

OS ANGELES – The all-new 2017 Buick LaCrosse introduces the new face of Buick, influenced by the dramatic cues of the award-winning Avenir concept unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and inspired by a Buick concept from the mid-20th century.

The LaCrosse, which goes on sale in early summer 2016, features a new grille design with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, accented by wing-shaped elements set against darkened waterfall grille bars inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept.

Buick revealed the 2017 LaCrosse today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 

“The new LaCrosse is drop-dead gorgeous and signals the next phase of Buick’s international momentum,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of Global Buick. “Its quietness, comfort and connectivity were developed to set new standards in the segment, supported by technologies not offered on competitors such as the Lexus ES.”

Longer, lower and wider than the current model, the 2017 LaCrosse is built on a stronger yet lighter structure. It is about 300 pounds lighter than the current LaCrosse – largely due to the use of press-hardened, high-strength steels – which contribute to greater efficiency and more responsive handling.

The new LaCrosse’s lower weight is also due in part to new lower mass sound-absorbing materials including a lightweight dissipative dash mat in place of heavier noise-blocking pads that  result in a new threshold for Buick’s signature QuietTuning.

The balance of the efficiency equation comes from a technologically advanced, second-generation 3.6L V-6 engine paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard Stop/Start technology improves efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

Additional new and enhanced features include:

• New five-link rear suspension and available HiPer Strut front suspension
• Available electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control active suspension with selectable Touring and Sport modes
• Driver-selectable Electronic Precision Shift
• An available advanced, all-new dual-clutch all-wheel drive system
• Efficiency-enhancing low-drag disc brakes with Duralife rotors
• Electric power steering system with Lead/Pull Compensation
• Easier rear-seat entry/egress
• More usable storage space
• Technologies including available wireless charging, available Teen Driver and configurable, LED driver information center with 8-inch-diagonal color display
• Perforated leather-appointed front seats with new lumbar massaging feature
• IntelliLink with frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot integration.

The 2017 LaCrosse also features extensive active and passive safety including:

• Ten standard air bags – including two knee air bags for front passengers
• Front Pedestrian Braking, which alerts drivers to and can automatically apply the brakes for pedestrians detected directly ahead in some driving conditions
• Lane Keep Assist, which provides gentle steering wheel turns – and Lane Departure Warning alerts, if necessary – to help drivers avoid crashes due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane
• Automatic Park Assist, which helps the driver parallel park/perpendicular park by automatically steering the vehicle into a detected parking space while the driver applies the brakes
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Automatic Braking
• Forward Collision Alert
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Rear Vision Camera
• Safety Alert Seat.

“We’ve blended sophisticated technologies and advanced safety systems to offer a more enjoyable and engaging driving experience,” said Aldred. “It’s a rewarding sedan for those who seek luxurious appointments, style and quality.”

New face of Buick
The new LaCrosse’s expressive exterior design creates a new proportion for a more dramatic road presence. The front wheels have been pulled forward and the wheelbase stretched 2.7 inches (65 mm), while the overall length is only 0.6-inch longer (15 mm). The dynamic proportion is further enhanced by a roofline that’s 1.6 inches (40 mm) lower than the current model.

The longer wheelbase is matched by wheels pushed outward 1.3 inches (33 mm) in the front and 1.1 inches (28 mm) in the rear, while the car’s width has grown only 0.4-inch (10 mm), creating a wheels-at-corners stance intended to convey road confidence.

“It’s a sleeker design that looks confident and purposeful,” said Holt Ware, exterior design director. “Stretching the wheelbase, lowering the roofline and making it slightly wider creates a dramatic effect that is enhanced by the design’s supporting elements such as the swept headlamps.”

The signature sweepspear body-side design element has been reinterpreted in a modern fashion, enhancing the car’s sculpture. The split design gives the body side a greater perception of depth, while picking up additional body lines for an elegant, uninterrupted flow from the front fenders to the rear.

The 2017 LaCrosse’s body lines are reinforced by a longer “daylight opening” – the portion of the upper body between the A- and C-pillars. They’re ringed with chrome, intended to add a tastefully restrained premium accent to the body side.

Other details blend form and function. Outside mirrors are mounted on pedestals on the doors rather than the corners of the front side windows. The design offers a greater field of view while the mirror housings were shaped in the wind tunnel to help reduce wind noise.

Aerodynamic considerations also drove the dynamic sweep of the decklid, which acts as a spoiler to make the most of airflow over the LaCrosse. Deflectors in front of the tires help reduce drag.  

Additional exterior elements include:

• Standard high-intensity discharge headlamps, LED signature lighting and ED taillamps are standard

• Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are available
• Active grille shutters, which open and close automatically to control airflow, reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel efficiency.
• Capless fuel filler on all models.

Seamless ambience, authentic craftsmanship
The new LaCrosse’s interior is designed to offer an open and inviting space for passengers – one that is relaxing, luxurious and well-connected. Sculpturally beautiful form and premium materials complement technologies developed for effortless interfacing.

It is the first Buick with a single cockpit design aesthetic, characterized by a horizontal form that sweeps across the instrument panel and into the doors. It also incorporates a “floating” center console that positions the controller for the new Electronic Precision Shift high and close to the driver, while creating storage space below the console for items such as a handbag or tablet.

“There is fluidity in the interior forms – a seamless ambience that flows throughout the cabin,” said Liz Wetzel, interior design director. “Like the exterior, there is sculptural beauty in the interior’s functionality, complemented with high-quality, authentic materials and exceptional attention to detail.”

That attention to detail includes soft materials for practically every touchpoint; French stitching on the seats, instrument panel and more, aluminum sill plates and wood decorative trim, depending on the model.

“There is a handcrafted essence that is inviting and rewarding,” said Wetzel. “It is a clean environment designed to refresh and inspire.”

New and enhanced available luxury features amplify the LaCrosse’s comfort:

• Three fashion-inspired interior trim choices: Jet Black, Dark Atmosphere and Shale, and Jet Black and Brandy
• Contemporary Moon White ambient lighting
• Eight-way-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with improved heating for quicker warm-up on cold mornings and a new massage feature
• Perforated leather-appointed seats
• Heated steering wheel with power tilting/telescoping steering column
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Power rear sunshade
• Premium Bose® audio system.

It also offers greater, more practical storage space and easier access. The rear doors, for example, open wider and offer easier entry/egress. The trunk offers approximately 7 percent more storage space than the current model, and was configured to accommodate four golf bags.

Sophisticated, intuitive technologies – including phone integration
As one of the segment’s most technologically advanced vehicles, the new LaCrosse offers a host of communication and convenience features designed for effortless connectivity.

The central technology is the latest edition of Buick IntelliLink, which is displayed in a new, frameless 8-inch-diagonal color touchscreen located at the center of an ergonomically optimized instrument panel. Along with the climate system and other features on the “center stack,” it was designed with fewer buttons and controls for more intuitive use.

Phone integration technology is paired with IntelliLink and is designed to display phone features users would want while driving and put them on the 8-inch display via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The features allow customers to use select smartphone apps through the touchscreen interface. Many features can be controlled via voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Additional LaCrosse technology highlights include:

• All-new Electronic Precision Shift – Rather than a traditional shifter, gears are chosen and engaged via a simple toggle pull. It provides smooth, precise and responsive shifting while enabling added storage in the center console.
• Configurable, high-definition driver information center – Located in the center of the gauge cluster and flanked by round instrument binnacles, it has a large, 8-inch-diagonal full-color display.
• Head-up display – This available feature offers four page views: speed, audio, navigation and performance. It also offers alerts for certain active safety features such as Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.
• Available Teen Driver Technology – It encourages safe driving habits for new drivers by muting the audio or any device paired with the vehicle when front-seat occupants aren’t wearing their safety belts. It also provides audible and visual warnings when the vehicle is traveling over predetermined speeds – and offers a driving “report card” for parents.
• Wireless charging – When equipped with this available feature, the phone storage slot in the center console enables inductive charging without plug-ins or cables.

Buick QuietTuning process
The new LaCrosse builds on the reputation of the current model to offer an even quieter driving experience.

Additional quieting features include:

• New five-link rear suspension for greater isolation from road noise than the current four-link design
• Active noise cancellation is standard on all models
• Acoustic wheelhouse liners
• Acoustic-laminated windshield and front side windows
• Triple-sealed doors
• Improved body noise-path sealing
• Windshield wipers “park” below the hood line to reduce wind noise.

Next-generation powertrain
LaCrosse’s all-new 3.6L V-6 engine with direct injection and dual overhead cams is the second generation of GM’s DOHC V-6 engine family and incorporates new features such as Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and Stop/Start technology.

The Active Fuel Management system temporarily deactivates two of the 3.6L’s cylinders in light-load driving conditions to enhance fuel efficiency and seamlessly reactivates them when full power is needed.

With the efficiency-enhancing Stop/Start system, the engine shuts down in certain driving conditions such as at a stop light to reduce fuel consumption. It automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake pedal.

An all-new noise-reducing cam drive system contributes to the LaCrosse’s benchmark quietness.

The 3.6L is General Motors-estimated at 305 horsepower (227 kW) and 268 lb-ft of torque (363 Nm); and it’s matched with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Balanced, efficient driving experience
The 2017 LaCrosse offers enhanced capability with Buick’s first twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system. It offers better performance during acceleration and cornering by splitting torque between the rear wheels for optimal performance and uses independent clutch actuation to determine and control the amount of torque sent to each rear wheel.

A new five-link rear suspension is the central component of the improved ride and handling characteristics. It helps reduces roll center motion, enables positive lateral control and promotes dynamic stability. In short, it helps keep the tires planted on all surfaces – and contributes to a quieter ride through greater isolation from road noise.

At the front, a MacPherson-strut suspension is standard and Buick’s HiPer Strut suspension is used on front-wheel-drive models with 20-inch wheels. It helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering, improving maximum grip in all road conditions. It also improves the direct feel of the vehicle, while isolating undesirable feedback.

Available, electronically controlled Continuous Damping Control further optimizes ride comfort and handling capabilities over varying road surfaces and profiles. It’s an active suspension system that can adjust damping every two milliseconds, with Touring and Sport damping modes selected by the driver through the Electronic Precision Shift.

Also contributing to LaCrosse’s more-direct driving experience is an enhanced, rack-mounted electronic power steering system, which incorporates Lead-Pull Compensation, automatically adjusting the steering angle to account for factors like
crowned roads or high crosswinds.

Additional chassis and driver control features on the 2017 LaCrosse include:

• Low-drag four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife rotors, which offer up to double the service life of conventional rotors
• Hill Start Assist with Automatic Vehicle Hold, which can hold the brakes up to five minutes, depending on conditions
• Electronic park brake
• Shear-type suspension mounts that offer greater ride, handling and noise isolation attributes.

FAST FACT: Sales of the Buick LaCrosse have exceeded 900,000 globally since it went on sale in 2009.

Overview

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Note: Information shown is current at time of publication. 

Created With the ‘Mechanics of Emotion,’ the All-new 2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Delivers Italian Style With Benchmark-level Performance and Precision to the Premium Mid-size Sedan Segment

From that day forward, the four-leaf clover became the symbol of all Alfa Romeo race cars and later the mark of Alfa’s high performance street vehicles.

All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience

The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in summer 2016.

Cadillac XT5 Initiates New Series of Cadillac Luxury Crossovers

Cadillac today unveiled the first-ever 2017 Crossover Touring 5 (XT5,) a comprehensively upgraded luxury crossover and the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. The first-ever XT5 premieres this month at the Dubai and Los Angeles auto shows and begins production in the U.S. and China in spring 2016. 

Cadillac crossovers will wear the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

“The all-new XT5 not only enters the most popular segment in the worldwide luxury auto market, it is the first of four new crossovers from Cadillac,” said Cadillac President Johan de Nysschen. “It’s pivotal to our ongoing growth, which is why we’ve developed XT5 from the inside out to provide customers more space, more technology, more luxury and more efficiency.”

The new luxury crossover joins Cadillac’s lineup immediately following the new range-topping CT6 Sedan, as the brand enters a new phase of product growth. The XT5 is the next chapter in elevating the Cadillac brand: it is bold, distinctive, sophisticated with superb driving dynamics. This new crossover perfectly reflects Cadillac’s positioning in the luxury automotive marketplace, de Nysschen said.

CHASSIS -- Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

Lightweight, efficient package enables more space

The Cadillac XT5 is completely new, residing on a unique chassis and structure.

Cadillac’s new crossover embodies the company’s expertise for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 278 pounds (126 kg) lighter than the current SRX , and 100 pounds (45 kg) lighter than the Audi Q5 – despite the Cadillac being seven inches longer. The new XT5 is more than 650 pounds (295 kg) lighter than the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, achieving this with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance.  

Rear-seat legroom is increased 3.2 in. (8.1 cm) in the XT5, compared to the SRX. The rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft, as well.

This was achieved using many of the techniques applied on the Cadillac CTS and ATS sport sedans – the lightest cars in their respective segments.  This includes the use of laser welding, ultra high-strength steel and advanced analytics that ensure a stronger structure, and excellent crash performance with less overall bulk.

“The new XT5 takes the lessons learned from Cadillac’s highly acclaimed lightweight and agile luxury cars and adjusts the formula for the unique desires of the crossover vehicle customer,” says David Leone, Cadillac executive chief engineer. “Reducing mass and bulk not only improves driving dynamics, it enables us to improve interior space and fuel efficiency.”

The new architecture delivers a wheelbase two inches longer than the SRX, and a track one inch wider, enabling more useable interior space. However, the XT5’s overall length, width and height are fractionally smaller than the SRX. This gives the car a firmly planted stance, and a lean and sleek look.

INTERIOR DESIGN-- New Cadillac interior design theme emphasizes space and craftsmanship

The XT5 brings a new level of sophistication to showcase Cadillac’s evolving design language, recently seen on the upcoming CT6 Sedan. The XT5 has a strong visual presence, a lean, taut, liquid quality to the surfaces with flowing, uninterrupted lines separated by crisp edges.

“The XT5 has a great stance, with wheels further to the corners and overhangs reduced,” said Andrew Smith, Cadillac executive director of global design. “Our team continues to evolve the design language of Cadillac.”  

The XT5’s interior is based on a philosophy of clean, modern elegance and craftsmanship.

“We believe that luxury crossover customers particularly focus on interior design and materials,” said Smith. “This design direction is predicated on modern craftsmanship and the artistic integration of technology.”

Interior surfaces inside the XT5 are wider and more horizontal in orientation, emphasizing efficient use of space. Like all Cadillac models, the interior is assembled with cut-and-sewn wrapped panels, rather than molded surfaces typical of mainstream vehicles.

“Our focus for the interior was sophistication and simplicity, ensuring an economy of lines to reduce visual noise and clutter,” Smith said. “A feeling of space is the ultimate luxury, so we sought to emphasize that. We also use a greater variety of authentic materials and palette of colors to deliver expressive interiors in all trim levels.”

Cadillac will offer a Platinum edition for the first time in this segment.  Made popular initially on Cadillac’s Escalade, the XT5 Platinum includes unique interior and exterior trim and materials and combines them with the highest technology features. In total, the XT5 includes five interior color and trim choices, with decorative trim options ranging from carbon fiber to two types of aluminum and three types of genuine wood.

POWERTRAIN -- Advanced powertrains add to efficiency and dynamics

In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 will be powered by the new 3.6-liter V6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. This engine has been completely redesigned and features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads. 

With an estimated peak output of 310-horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, the new V6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery. Cadillac’s new Stop/Start technology automatically stops and starts the engine when the vehicle is at rest in traffic stops, saving fuel and reducing emissions while enhancing the quietness expected of a luxury vehicle. 

In China, the XT5 will be offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Powerful, yet compact, the 2.0T also features Stop/Start technology. 

A new 8-speed automatic transmission is standard for the XT5, which also debuts Electronic Precision Shift – the first electronically controlled transmission shifter for a Cadillac. Electronic Precision Shift reduces noise and vibration, and it allows for greater use of the cabin space with a storage space beneath the center console.

An optional new advanced “twin clutch” all-wheel drive system continuously and automatically delivers excellent traction across a variety of conditions. While engineered specifically for strong performance in wet, snowy or icy conditions, it also provides enhanced stability in dry weather.

Due to the twin clutch design, the AWD system is capable of transferring up to 100 percent of available torque to either the front or rear axle. Also, across the rear axle, the electronically controlled rear differential can direct up to 100 percent of available torque to either wheel laterally. This capability is designed for “split-coefficient” surfaces, such as when there is more water, ice or snow on one side of the road surface than the other.

The AWD system is driver-controlled, and includes a new “disconnect” feature that disables the rear drive unit for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The lightweight structure of the XT5 is stiffer and stronger than the SRX due to the use of improved materials and advanced design methods. A diagonal “A-frame” front chassis brace in the underbody was added to provide a more solid driver feel and stiffness for the vehicle in turns.

The new suspension features lightweight components with a MacPherson Strut design in the front and a five-link independent design at the rear.

Standard wheels are 18-inches with 20-inch wheels optional. All versions equipped with 20-inch wheels have a Continuous Damping Control system to manage ride control in real time. Additional ride bushings on the rear cradle are exclusive to the XT5 Platinum model and are specifically tuned to provide added ride comfort for rear seat passengers.

TECHNOLOGY -- Advanced technology systems add luxury, safety

The first-ever XT5 includes Cadillac’s latest production systems in connectivity and safety. 

Cadillac’s patented new industry-leading Rear Camera Mirror system debuts on the CT6 sedan and the XT5. The system enhances the driver’s rear vision by 300 percent, using a video display applied over the conventional inside rearview mirror. A high-dynamic range camera records wider images behind the car, streams the image to video processing software which “removes” obstacles such as the roof, rear pillars and rear seat passengers, projecting an unobstructed view to a Liquid Crystal Display. 

The Cadillac CUE system for connectivity and control is upgraded for the XT5. A faster and more powerful processor provides best-ever response and accuracy. The XT5 features an integrated wireless charger for mobile devices, with a slot designed into the center console.  Like all Cadillac models in 2016, XT5 features 4G wireless connectivity, with a standard integrated Wi-Fi hotspot and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for simpler in-car phone integration. 

The rear liftgate of the XT5 includes hands-free operation, allowing it to open or close via gesture control beneath the rear bumper.

An optional color reconfigurable Heads-Up Display is available. Cadillac’s signature LED light pipes are standard inside and out, while full LED headlamps are optional. A Surround Vision feature enables a “bird’s eye” view of the perimeter around the car to assist in parking.

In addition, XT5 features Cadillac’s Driver Awareness and Driver Assist packages to aid vision and collision avoidance. These include automatic front and rear braking for low-speed conditions, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, full-speed range Adaptive Cruise Control and Automatic Parking Assist.

2017 Cadillac XT5 PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS (NORTH AMERICA)