The 2011 Car Year is here and it’s offering drivers pure driving excitement!  If you are looking for something new, consider the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe.  It is one awesome ride!

Possibly the most coveted feature about this auto is the exterior styling.  Compared to the more “old school” style of the Chicago DTS, the 2 door coupe is more sporty and fun. The 2011 CTS coupe has the same style that the concept car had when it was released a few years ago.  Cadillac made a good choice when deciding to do that, as sometimes the concept and the actual production model end up being quite different.  It has elegantly designed angles and an attractive front grille with the beautiful Caddy logo proudly displayed.  It’s definitely an eye catching car.

The 2011 CTS comes in a base V6 that is really nice to drive, with a 3.5 liter engine that gives off 304 Horsepower.  Not quite as powerful as the 2009 Chicago XLR that featured a 4.6 liter, V8.  However, if you opt for a higher performing V8, the CTS will also come in an option that has that.  The base V6 does very well on the open roads.   The automatic transmission that comes in six speeds shifts smoothly and without problems- certainly a plus for the driver!  The transmission also offers a sport and manual mode that is perfect for those times when you really want to rev the engine!

In addition to the driving ability of the CTS coupe, it offers other outstanding features.  Inside the cabin, 5 passengers can ride and the seats are made of comfortable leather and the shift knob is also covered in leather.  There is wood trim found inside that gives a nice accent.  Overall, the interior is styled a lot like other Cadillac models, such as the Chicago DTS.  The base comes standard with a nice sounding Bose Stereo system, but if you want to pump up the jam a bit while driving, you can opt for the Performance Collection which adds surround sound stereo with a 40 gigabyte hard drive and USB input, along with other exciting amenities!

Consider the 2011 CTS coupe if you are looking for something luxurious and sporty….I predict that you won’t be disappointed!

Future models of the Chicago DTS are going to have a new feature…It’s not something you’ll probably notice right off the bat, but to Cadillac, it’s what defines their vehicles.  The company is redesigning their famous crest logo.

The logo found on current Chicago XLR cars was introduced back in 1999 and was designed to go with Cadillac’s art and science mentality at the time.  When that logo was redesigned 11 years ago, it was simplified from the version before.  If you want some rich history behind the Cadillac logo, the original design was in honor of the man who founded Detroit: Antoine de La Mothe, Sieur de Cadillac.

The newest crest’s differences cannot be readily seen, unless you place the new and old side by side.   Compared to the older version, the new one is “cleaner”, with silver looking ridges that divide the different colors.  The new crest colors have a more jewel-like look.  The 1999 version’s colors were more primary looking, especially the four red blocks.

The new Cadillac logo was first spotted at an International motor event last November.  It wasn’t advertised and pointed out at that time, but now it’s being showcased on TV ads and the 2011 SRX will be the first to get it.   Eventually it will roll out across the Cadillac inventory.

The logo isn’t the only exciting thing going on right now with Cadillac models.  At your local dealerships, you’ll be able to find all the 2010 Cadillac’s.  Take for example the Chicago DTS.  It’s a four door model with many luxurious features.

The 2010 DTS comes equipped with a 4.6 Liter engine that packs a punch of 275 HP.  Certainly not the most horsepower on the market, but for this type of auto, it’s a good number.  This DTS Luxury Collection has an automatic transmission with four speeds and front wheel drive.

If you opt for a certified pre-owned Cadillac, your dealership has a great selection to choose from.  For instance, there’s a black 2008 Chicago XLR waiting to go home with the right buyer.  This beautiful convertible offers a stylish interior and a 4.6 Liter V-8 engine that provides 320 HP.  What a great way to cruise around Chicagoland on a beautiful summer day!

There are plenty of fun trips to plan during the summer months, but taking your Chicago XLR into the dealership for surprise repairs is not one of them!  With the current economy leaving people eager to save some cash, people are opting for vacations that are drive-able and enjoyable, versus the more lavish destinations that leave you no choice but to fly!

I recently came across some good tips for making sure your auto is ready for summer travel.  Weather conditions such as high temps and humidity, along with stop and go traffic can wreck havoc on a car’s system, especially if it’s one that needs other maintenance or hasn’t been kept up in the past.

Many of these are pretty routine and the staff at your Chicagoland used Cadillac dealer will also remind you, but with day to day schedules, it’s easy to forget.  First, you should reference your auto manual to see what services are required at certain mileage points.  Choosing a place that has certified and trained staff to work on your auto will save you time and money.  ASE certified technicians, for example, will tell you that capable hands are servicing your car.  Furthermore, take your Chicago XLR to a shop that has autos that look similar in quality to yours.

We all know how important your car’s air conditioning is on a hot summer day, so make sure your is working to its maximum level.   A certified technician should be servicing yours if it’s not working right.  Some older cars have AC units that can release ozone-negative chemicals into air if the unit isn’t serviced or repaired correctly.

Oil changes and oil filter changes should be done as specified as well.  This is one of the easiest things that really helps your car, truck or SUV last longer, but according to ASE certified staff, it’s one of the top neglected services.  Moreover, making sure other filters are good to go and having optimal tire pressure will make your car perform better on that weekend road trip to Wisconsin!!

For a complete list of needed services on your Cadillac, contact the staff at your Chicagoland used Cadillac dealer. They’re more than happy to help!

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!

Staff training is always an important part of a manager’s job.  Making sure staff are professional, knowledgeable and courteous is vital to a business’ success!  This is why Cadillac is looking to Ritz-Carlton.  The luxury hotel chain uses a professional service to help train its staff to interact and provide service to the more “upscale clientele” that frequent Ritz- Carlton.  The staff at a Ritz are known for providing excellent customer service.  Thus, Cadillac has decided to bring some reps from that hotel chain in to work with dealership staff.

The goal of Cadillac is to have staff at the dealership treat the potential Chicago XLR owner with luxury service.  The staff will be more polished, communicate better, and cater to the client who might be more  “affluent”, so to speak.

Cadillac is known for producing many luxury models, such as the Chicago Escalade.  Since is was put on the market by Cadillac, this luxury SUV has received many positive reviews…from it’s luxurious interior, to the powerful engine, you really cannot go wrong.  The 2010 model comes with a 6.2 Liter, V8 engine, and there’s also the option of buying a Chicago Escalade hybrid if you want.

The XLR is another great option from Cadillac.  The 2010 was discontinued, but you might be able to find a new 2009 or even a used model at your Chicago XLR dealership.  This is a sporty car that was certainly fun to drive.  I was given a chance to drive a 2008 model and loved it!

What do you think of this?  Cadillacs are certainly quality, luxury models, you can’t argue that.  I understand what Cadillac is trying to do, especially as a former manager of staff in a service organization.  But, not every Cadillac owner is as “loaded” as, say, someone that’s able to purchase a BMW, Porsche, Audi, or the like. Sometimes someone who has quite a bit of money doesn’t always “look”  like they have a plethora of funds.  Will they be catered-to like the clean cut guy who comes dressed in a suit?

I’m closing this blog with some food for thought.  Feel free to post your thoughts on our page!