Popular Mechanics Chooses Cadillac CUE over the Competition

February 13, 2012 (PRLEAP.COM) Business News
RAYNHAM, Mass., Feb. 13, 2012 – This year, Cadillac was the only automaker to receive an Editor's Choice Award from Popular Mechanics magazine at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The annual January show gave Cadillac a chance to show off its new CUE infotainment system, which earned praise from Popular Mechanics editors in advance of its upcoming spring debut at Cadillac dealerships in the all-new 2013 XTS luxury sedan.

As winner of a Popular Mechanics Top Gadgets of CES 2012: Editors' Choice Award, Cadillac's CUE was welcomed by the publication as the new benchmark for in-car computing systems. The new technology will feature a fast processor capable of powering two screens, including an LCD touchscreen in the center of the dash and another available LCD screen that can act as a customizable gauge cluster. While it might seem like a feature destined only for Cadillac's most expensive vehicles, CUE will be available in the all-new 2013 ATS sport sedan, which will be priced below the Cadillac CTS as the most affordable model in the lineup when it debuts this summer.

"Unlike some automakers, Cadillac didn't rush to market with a half-baked computer system that is hard to use and doesn't fully work a lot of the time," said Gary Carter, general sales manager of Raynham, Massachusetts Cadillac dealer Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac. "The extra time that Cadillac engineers spent on the design of CUE is clear, from the vibrant displays to the ease with which you can use the system."

One of the keys to Cadillac CUE's early accolades is the capacitive touch capability of its control screens, which use the same technology found in the most popular smartphones. The screens feature electrodes that sense the conductive properties of objects like fingers, tailoring its responses accordingly. Controlling navigation, hands-free phone calls and audio functions, the system is also capable of accessing data from up to 10 media devices, including Bluetooth-enabled phones and MP3 players.

With the debut of its new ATS, Cadillac is looking to connect specifically with fans of other entry-level luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Once again, the American automaker turned to new technology to improve performance, fitting the car with an optional Magnetic Ride Control typically reserved for the suspensions of exotic sports cars, as well as new drivetrains that provide power and fuel efficiency.

A new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will produce 270 horsepower in the 2013 ATS, while Cadillac's 320-horsepower V6 will also be an option. Cadillac says the ATS will return peak highway fuel economy of more than 30 mpg, and it will also be available with all-wheel drive, giving Massachusetts Cadillac fans a sporty choice for winter-weather driving.

"It's tough to stand out in the increasingly crowded luxury market, but Cadillac is doing an impressive job distinguishing itself from the world's top luxury automakers," Carter noted. "With powerful, fuel-efficient engines and the new CUE system, the ATS is sure to earn new business from former BMW and Mercedes-Benz owners looking to escape the status quo."

About Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac:
Serving Massachusetts car buyers for more than 50 years, Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac has earned a reputation for top-notch service and satisfied customers. With a wide selection of models like the Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave and GMC Sierra pickup truck, Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac has the vehicles shoppers want, as well as the skilled service staff needed to keep their cars, trucks and SUVs running like new for years to come. Stop by their dealership at 1525 New State Highway in Raynham, Massachusetts, browse their inventory online at www.mastriamotors.com, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MastriaBuickGMC, or call them at 800-821-1998 today.