The Kennedy family is one of the most iconic in American History, and it’s shown in Cadillac’s relationship, so to speak, with Jackie Kennedy.

A truly classic Cadillac model inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy went up for auction on February 5th in Paris.  The estimated selling price was judged to surpass the $250k mark, as predicted by Bonham, the outfit overseeing the auction of this beautifully styled Cadillac model.  As of the writing of this post, the actual priced paid at the event had not been released.

1961 Cadillac “Jacqueline” Coupe

This vehicle was a special edition designed the same year that John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States.  It was made by an Italian coach designing company, Pininfarina.  If you are unfamiliar with this auto designer, they have been around since the 1930′s and have worked with many auto companies to design special edition autos, many of which are current collector’s items or may be found in museums, etc.  During the period of 1958 to 1961, Pininfarina designed several Cadillac models, including the one inspired by Ms. Kennedy.

Shortly after its manufacture in the early 1960′s, this model became a fixture in the Pininfarina museum, where an esteemed car collector eventually purchased it.  In the mid-90′s, the president of Cartier purchased the Jacqueline coupe and sent to the United States where some restoration was done to make it drivable on America’s roadways.  What is even more noteworthy about this Cadillac is that it hardly has any mileage on it and is fitted with the original interior.  Even though it’s a vehicle you won’t likely ever see at a Chicago Cadillac dealership, it’s undoubtedly a stand-out model of its time, inspired by someone who is very much a part of American culture even today.

Other features of the 1961 coupe

The Jacqueline coupe was a two door model that featured no back seating and two, front bucket seats.  Like the current Chicago CTS coupe on the market, there’s clearly a preference for Cadillacs that feature a two door styling.  The 1961 model also had a brushed steel roof and a very large grille that held the headlights. 

Check out the attached picture and give us your impression of this classic car.

This renowned actor was featured in some Cadillac ads that ran during the Rose Bowl game on New Years Day and will also be featured in some ad spots that will run on Super Bowl Sunday, which is a great chance for a company to showcase its products, as this big game gets millions of viewers each year.  Cadillac is exciting to be working with Laurence Fishburne, as well as launching a new campaign of advertisements to showcase some of their great models, which are currently part of the inventory at a Cadillac dealer in Chicago, Patrick Cadillac.

2011 CTS models

The CTS coupe was shown to us a few years ago as a concept and many Cadillac fans have been anxiously awaiting its arrival.  It available here at our dealership in both Performance and Premium trims.  Both share many standard features including some of these listed:

• OnStar that includes one year of Directions and Connections Plan
• 18 inch Premium wheels
• XM radio and a three month trial package
• Advanced headlight system and fog lights
• Six-Speed Automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive
• Very high quality Bose Stereo System with 10 speakers

The 2011 Chicago CTS line up also comes with the choice of a sedan or the CTS-V coupe, which is a performance enhanced version of the CTS Coupe, including more powerful engines and a more aerodynamic design.

Other 2011 Cadillac options

If you would love a brand new Cadillac, there are other options in addition to the CTS available now at Patrick Cadillac.  You can check out the DTS, Escalade, STX, and STS models today.  These models give you the option of a large luxury SUV, mid-size SUV, sedan or coupe, sure to cater to all driving preferences.  Take a look at our inventory now!

People might still be gun-shy to spend a lot of money these days, but lucky for Cadillac, July sales are an indication that auto buyers are willing to put their hard earned money toward a quality product. In Chicago, Cadillac models sold in July 2010 doubled the amount that went off lots in July 2009. This is due to the high performing models that GM works hard to produce, like the Chicago CTS.

According to reports, new models are doing very well. The revamped SRX crossover did awesome in July, selling nines times the amount of last July. The SRX comes in a base, Luxury, and Premium model, each offering luxury features, depending on your needs. Right now, all three trims come with a 3.0 liter V6 engine and a tough to beat warranty program. Basic warranty is good for 48 mos/50,000 miles, powertrain for 60 months/100,000 miles, and much more!

Other features of an SRX include pedal and seat placement memory, telescoping steering wheel, and an emergency communication system. These will make traveling in your SRX more convenient. Moreover, this crossover comes standard with important safety features such as brake assist, electronic stability, traction control, and high quality ABS brakes.

If you are not interested in a crossover, many other models may pique your interest.  Consider the Chicago CTS.  You can make the choice between the CTS AWD, coupe, and sedan.  Choose the coupe if you want something a bit sportier, the sedan if your vehicle of choice is a more traditional model.  All have the attractive, luxurious styling that new Cadillac models are featuring.

The CTS AWD Premium collection is the ultimate in sedan driving.  It features many great features such as a six-speed automatic transmission and 18 inch premium tire package.  You’ll also get a phone interface featuring Bluetooth, navigation system with voice prompt and screen, and heated/ventilated driver and front passenger seating.  Keep in mind those cold, Chicago winters will unfortunately be here before we know it.  Heated seats make it a bit more tolerable.

Next time you drive by your Chicago Cadillac dealer in Schaumburg, stop in and see why Cadillac models sold so well in July!

Cadillac models are luxurious and stylish, there is no disputing this.  That’s why they’ve been popular for so many years.  What’s been changing for Cadillac is the focus on creating sportier options that cater to many different generations.  We often associate a “Caddy” with the old school models your grandfather proudly cruised around in.  Several Cadillac models are in the works and are proving to be great choices if you are shopping around for a new auto!

Take, for example, the 2011 Chicago CTS coupe.  It is currently on the lot at your local dealer and it’s hot!  This is the first coupe to be sold since the Deville said bye-bye back in 1993.   That’s 17 years ago and it’s about time we see something new!  The 2011 CTS coupe will start out with a 3.6 L V6 engine that delivers 304 horsepower.  Down the road, the car maker will install the coupe with same engine currently found in the CTS-V.  That being a supercharged 6.2 liter V8.  Now that’s some serious power.  I think, however, that the current option will be enough to satisfy the driver who craves speed and sport behind the wheel…at least in the meantime!!

Like most car companies out there, Cadillac has a long list of Options that you can purchase to make driving the Chicago CTS coupe that much more exciting.  If you take just the standard features, you’ll find that there’s a lot already in there.  The seats are made with quality leather as well as a leather steering wheel and shift knob.  To accent this, the door panel, wood dashboard insert, and console insert are all made of genuine wood.  Cadillac works hard to make the cabin of their cars very luxurious.

In addition, the CTS-V sport wagon will debut at your Chicago Cadillac dealer later this year.  This is a great option if you want to transport your family and/or belongings in style!  It’s been refreshed for the 2011 car year.  The roof is longer and it will come with the same engine that is found in the CTS-V sedan: a 556 HP that is sure to leave the kiddos wide-eyed in the backseat!  It was unveiled at the 2010 New York Auto Show and was a big hit.

Cadillacs just keep getting better.  Find your nearest Chicago Cadillac dealer and check out all the great models it has to offer!

The newest electric cars will be coming to your Chicago CTS dealerships in the upcoming years.  Car companies all over the world have been working on making these models efficient, environmentally friendly, and most of all appealing to all different driver demographics.  But, will this new option leave people jumping on the bandwagon, or lagging slowly behind, waiting to see how everything plays out?

There is no easy answer and there is a lot to factor into it all.  Deloitte Consulting conducted a market research study to get some feeling about consumers’ attitudes toward electric and hybrid cars.  Their results suggest that there will be modest interest in these types of vehicles.  Some of the hurdles that will keep them from being sold as quickly are cost, range of travel on a charge, and infrastructure, such as available charging stations at convenient locations like work and school.

There are some discrepant findings about the amount of  all electric cars that will be on the roads by 2020.  Credit Suisse says it will be around 335K and Citi predicts it’ll be around 1 million.  In addition, Deloitte reported that the Traffic and Safety Administrations pegs the number at 750K.  Certainly a wide range of amounts.  My personal feeling is that it will be closer to the 335K mark.

Now to take a look at what Cadillac is doing in the whole electric car, hybrid arena.  I am a big fan of the Chicago XLR, so Cadillac models are definitely on my radar.  For example, an Escalade hybrid has been released.  You still get all the interior and exterior luxury features that you expect to find, but the hybrid gives you some other specs too!  It works on a combination of a V8 gasoline engine and two 60-kilowatt motors.

It’s no doubt in the upcoming years that Cadillac will be working to perfect hybrid and electric models that are either completely new, or based off current models, like the Chicago CTS.   There is certainly an established following of those already set on buying electric cars once they’re out, according to Deloitte.  I myself will be patiently waiting for a Chicago XLR hybrid or all-electric model- only time will tell which is chosen!