By Rob
We recently wrapped up our latest round of snow and winter testing and this photo captures one of the more memorable moments. Things do not always go as planned – particularly when testing handling on ice and snow.
Testing StabiliTrak (Cadillac’s fine electronic stability control system) means we do very thorough experiments with different settings and calibrations to make sure the version we take to production is the best it can be. This ensures we test right to the limit, and sometimes just a bit over that limit. This time, the laws of physics pushed the car off into the snow bank – but safely. Moral of the story: if you’re driving a car with StabiliTrak (or another form of ESC) use it, DON’T SHUT IT OFF!
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Comments
Now that's cool :D I wanna try this
Posted by: 2005_CTS | March 1, 2007 12:54 AM
In my current CTS I find that in order to get out of my snowy driveway I have to use snow mode and TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF. This is mostly because the TC comes on so strong that it stops all forward momentum and I can't get out of the driveway. If I turn the TC off, I spin the wheels a bit, but I can actually get out.
Posted by: Drew | March 1, 2007 10:05 AM
Wise advice, but you should leave that decision (on/off) to us. I have a mustang with ESC. The default is on, which makes sense, but on those rare occasions when I do not want it on, and it does happen, all I have to do is hit one button one time. Some manufacturers make you go through all sorts of hoops, and even then, some systems do not completely shut off. Simple, elegant, straightforward systems are best.
Posted by: zippy | March 1, 2007 1:52 PM
This is a bit off topic but I've don't know why there is not a closer internet tie into the expensive and successful CTS-V racing? Why no SWAG? It does not seem that Caddi is fully harvesting or leveraging the success of the racing investment.
PS don't cut it. I'm an fan and a CTSV owner.
Posted by: Bob Zeliff | March 2, 2007 5:18 PM
We own a 2000 DTS and this winter the car did great. The traction control worked wonderful. The only problem we ran into was traction control doesn't work so well if the tires can't touch the ground. We looked like a white sled going down our hill after the snow in December. It was 11 inches deep and we pretty much just slid down on the belly. But it will take more than that to keep a Cadillac at home. Great cars!
Posted by: Kim Schnitzer | March 13, 2007 11:51 PM
It is really disappointing that the new CTS won't have MagneRide. It is mature technology and it would make a much better car. Torque vectoring technology is also something Cadillac should use. I want to buy a CTS but AUDI may get my vote first. Cadillac should do the smart thing and at least offer these two things as options. I'll pay and so will thousands of other Cadillac fanatics. Please listen!!!!!!
Posted by: Chris Grady | March 21, 2007 4:10 AM
Hello Team Cadillac. I am a huge fan of the new 2008 CTS. As you are aware, all new 2009 model year cars for the U.S. market shall have ESC as standard equipment. Please provide the option to completely shut off StabiliTrak on the 2008 CTS, CTS-V and the rest of the Cadillac Models. Some manufacturers, such as Mercedes Benz (all models), BMW (New M5 with 6-speed manual) and Lexus (most of the model line-up) currently do not offer the option to completely shut off ESC. The provision of ESC is great. I welcome it in some conditions and would also prefer to turn it off completely in some situations. I prefer not to be babysat by the ESC everytime I am behind the wheel. Keep up the good work. Would the VM Motori-sourced 3.0 Litre Common Rail Diesel Engine be available for the U.S. Market?
PS: Currently unable to afford a new or used CTS. I am hoping to buy one in the near future. My current vehicles are a 2003 Mazda Protege LX and 1991 Ford Ranger XLT (2.9L V6 4X4).
Posted by: Ben Inyama | April 4, 2007 2:52 AM