View Full Version : Cadillac STS 2005-2011
The STS (Seville Touring Sedan) was a mid-sized luxury four-door sedan manufactured and sold by Cadillac from 2005–2012. It was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with performance algorithm shifting and driver shift control.
Origins
The STS was the successor to the Cadillac Seville (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46924). That car used the STS name, standing for Seville Touring Sedan on upscale performance-oriented versions beginning in 1988. In 1992, Cadillac split the Seville line into STS and less performance-oriented SLS (for Seville Luxury Sedan) trim lines. The next year, the STS received Cadillac's then-new Northstar System, including the aluminium DOHC L37 Northstar V8 engine. Throughout its existence, the STS was Cadillac's highest-priced sedan. Worldwide, the STS was Cadillac's flagship model. In the United States and Canada, the STS in its day was positioned between the smaller mid-size CTS and larger full-size DTS, but was priced above the latter.
After the the final STS was assembled on May 4, 2011, it was replaced by the Cadillac XTS (http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44077) wich is based on the front-wheel drive Epsilon II based Super Epsilon Platform.
Cadillac STS #2
Press release from 2005
2005 CADILLAC STS: SOPHISTICATED PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY
All-new Sigma-based Car is Highly Crafted Entry into Global Luxury Performance Sedan Market
Cadillac Signature Design Vocabulary
Rear-Wheel- or All-Wheel-Drive Performance
Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 VVT or 3.6-liter V-6 VVT
Dynamic Integrated Chassis Control Systems for Balanced Ride & Handling
The 2005 Cadillac STS is the luxury nameplate’s all-new luxury performance sedan. It has been designed, engineered and executed to deliver precision craftsmanship, outstanding performance, and sophisticated luxury in a distinctly American package.
Based on General Motors’ new rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, which also is the foundation for Cadillac’s entry-luxury CTS sedan, CTS V-series high-performance sedan, and SRX luxury performance utility – the STS is designed to compete head-on with world-renowned prestige sedans in markets around the globe.
“Our long-term goal for Cadillac is to become the Standard of the World once again,” said Mark LaNeve, general manager for Cadillac. “In order to succeed globally, we have to build vehicles that have outstanding performance, exceptional quality and reliability, and meet the demands of the most discerning car buyers. “The STS represents the latest step in that direction.”
From its Cadillac-signature bold exterior styling to its outstanding power and road capabilities, the STS is the product of unwavering attention to detail. More than 1,000 criteria points have been strictly adhered to throughout development of the vehicle. The result is outstanding fit and finish, overall harmony, refined performance and purposeful innovation.
“We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also realize that’s the price of entry into this category,” said Jim Taylor, GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles. “The STS has simply been engineered to more than hold its own when matched against some of the best prestige luxury sedans in the world.”
While its overall shape brings a faster profile and more rake than its CTS sibling, it’s done so in the context of elegance and grace. Overall, the STS is 196-inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 57.6-inches high, making it the largest sedan offering in the Sigma-based family.
The exterior fit and finish on the STS is taking Cadillac to the next level of refinement and exemplifies the attention to detail seen throughout the vehicle. Body and exterior dimensions are precisely executed. Radii on major body components, such as the hood and decklid, are tight and contribute to its crisp exterior appearance. Doors-into-roof construction and a superplastic-formed aluminum decklid ensure a clean and refined exterior.
All interior gaps also achieve exceptionally close tolerances, enabling a tight, well-crafted appearance throughout. Eucalyptus wood and/or in-mold processed, dent and mar resistant aluminum trim is found on the steering wheel, center console, instrument panel, and door armrests.
Premium materials and fabrics are used throughout the interior. Dual-firmness Tuscany all-leather seats, available as heated and ventilated, are specially tanned for a softer feel. Spray-skinned urethane/natural grained surfaces on the door and instrument panel ensure an inviting, tactile touch, as do the headliner and interior pillars, which are soft backed and covered with a Monaco woven fabric.
In terms of performance, the STS will be available with a 255-horsepower 3.6L
V-6 in a rear-drive configuration, or the 320-horsepower Northstar 4.6L V-8 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Both engines incorporate variable valve timing (VVT) and are mated to widely acclaimed 5-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control.
While the STS is true to Cadillac’s performance-oriented roots, a host of chassis refinements ensure that it hits the “sweet-spot” of ride and handling, resulting in a ride that keeps drivers fresh and comfortable without sacrificing the driving experience.
Road impacts and other harsh inputs are effectively absorbed and dissipated through ride-tuned tires, dampers, suspension components and bushings, as well as improved structure in body to chassis interfaces and additional refinements in the engine mounts.
Integrated chassis control technologies include a two-mode Magnetic Ride Control offering performance or touring selections, four-channel StabiliTrak, and an available high-precision ZF steering gear.
Technological appointments on the STS are plentiful, purposeful, and driver oriented. Such applications include an Easy Key system; Smart Remote Start system (not available in Europe or Russia); Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Intellibeam; re-configurable, four-color Head-Up Display (HUD); heated and ventilated seats; and heated steering wheel.
Of particular note is an available up-level infotainment system, which includes one of the industry’s first OEM-installed surround sound audio systems. The cabin is immersed with 15 speakers from Bose Corporation. The 5.1 Bose system also has an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and is capable of playing a broad array of formats including DVD-A, CD, and MP3. It includes an eight-inch VGA quality touch screen and advanced navigation. In addition, the system has Bluetooth capability, advanced voice recognition, and OnStar.
Like its Sigma-based siblings, the all-new STS will be built at GM’s state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River assembly center in Lansing, Mich., beginning in the summer of 2004.
The STS is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2004. Beginning in 2005, the STS will be available in Europe, Japan, Russia, Middle East, South Korea, Taiwan and Israel.
Falcon500
04-05-2004, 07:04 AM
Despite the fact it looks like a giant vectra i actually quite like it :)
cuntukimushroom
04-05-2004, 07:48 AM
looks a bit like the cadillac cien :)
EvilPaladin
04-05-2004, 08:12 AM
No press release with this one ?
No press release with this one ?
Not yet. I'll post one when I see it.
byronleehk
04-05-2004, 03:33 PM
Press Release (well kind of) (http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/business/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?f0015_BC_NewCadillac&&news&newsflash-financial)
I like the CTS-V better :)
Press Release (well kind of) (http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/business/index.ssf?/newsflash/get_story.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?f0015_BC_NewCadillac&&news&newsflash-financial)
I like the CTS-V better :)
There's a CTS-V thread in here if you do some digging.
silverhawk
04-05-2004, 04:53 PM
it looks like a 50-50 cross between a CTS & Deville. it has the CTS's styled grill, bumper & lights & the rear long thin lights & flat trunk of the Deville. They should have tried not to make all their cars too similar but cars with different designs but similar styling. the interior is really nice.
I just added the press release to the beginning of this thread.
2006 CADILLAC STS-V: SUPERCHARGED ELEGANCE
New 440-horsepower Supercharged Northstar V-8 Engine
New Hydra-Matic Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
Chassis Tuned for the Track or Autobahn
Exterior Design Combines Elegance, Performance, Functionality
Leather-Wrapped, Performance-Refined Interior
DETROIT – The 2006 Cadillac STS-V is General Motors’ most intense expression of Cadillac power and performance yet, and the luxury nameplate’s latest offering in its growing family of high-performance V-Series vehicles.
The STS-V carries all the craftsmanship and sophistication of its STS sibling, but does so at an entirely different level. Designed for everyday driving, the STS-V has been developed to deliver supercharged, rear-drive performance with an elegant design statement that is unmistakably Cadillac.
At the heart of the STS-V is a new, 4.4-liter version of the Northstar engine outfitted with a positive displacement intercooled supercharger. The dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-8 engine delivers the highest horsepower rating of any production Cadillac engine to date.
Called the Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged), the engine produces 440 horsepower (328 kW) at 6400 rpm and 430 lb.-ft. (583 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm (power and torque figures estimated) – and the engine’s power is underscored by its ability to deliver 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm. Vehicle redline is 6700 rpm.
The Northstar V-8 SC generates 120 horsepower (90kW) and 115 lb.-ft. (156 Nm) of torque more than its naturally aspirated counterpart, while its specific output of 100-horsepower-per-liter makes it one of the world’s highest specific output production V-8 engines.
However, the Northstar V-8 SC used in the STS-V is more than just power and torque. The DOHC engine includes variable valve timing that enables outstanding top-end performance while maintaining the expected refinement and quality associated with a luxury marque.
The aggressive torque curve enabled by the choice of a supercharged engine gives the STS-V acceleration capable of placing it firmly in the under-5-second-club for 0-to-60 time. The refined shift feel is enabled by careful electronic calibration of both the engine and transmission. During shifts, power is instantaneously lowered, then ramped back up carefully to make gear changes virtually unnoticeable.
The Northstar V-8 SC is mated to the all-new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission – the first use of GM’s new six-speed automatic. The 6L80 – the only transmission offered on the STS-V – is one of the most technologically advanced automatic transmissions in the industry, using clutch-to-clutch operation and an advanced integrated 32-bit transmission controller to deliver smooth and precise shifts.
The 6L80 also incorporates a host of advanced driving enhancement features, including advanced Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) and Driver Shift Control (DSC). PAS lets the electronic transmission controller override the automatic gear selection during closed throttle high lateral acceleration maneuvers, rapidly downshifting with the release of the torque converter clutch for smooth powering up when the throttle is reopened. Driver Shift Control allows the driver to sequentially shift gears manually via the gearshift lever.
The STS-V has been tuned for performance on virtually every road condition and environment including GM’s all-new Milford Road Course facility and the Nordschleiffe (North Course) at Nürburgring.
As a result of this extensive development, the vehicle has track-capable acceleration, braking and cornering abilities. This is due, in part, to increased tire sizes (P255/45R18 front, P275/40R19 rear); increased brake rotor diameters, larger pad areas, and larger calipers; increased stiffness stabilizer bars and suspension springs; a faster steering ratio; and chassis tuning aimed at delivering high performance without punishing the driver.
Exterior elements on the STS-V enable higher-performance capabilities; yet express the sophisticated elegance associated with the STS name. Exterior refinements include:
A larger, polished stainless steel wire mesh front grille that enables the required additional airflow for engine heat dissipation. The wire mesh grille not only signifies the sedan as a V-series, but is also a heritage cue – wire mesh grilles were applied on the Cadillac V-16, the standard bearer of luxury and performance in the 1930s;
A new, lower front fascia that incorporates a larger lower grille (also wire mesh) for increased cooling capability; brake ducts for front caliper and rotor cooling; and splitter to counteract lift created by larger grille openings;
A new lower rear fascia that facilitates smooth airflow under the vehicle for improved cooling;
Lower rockers that visually bridge the lowered front and rear fascias;
A specific, fluidly sculpted hood designed to provide space for the engine’s supercharger;
Ten-spoke, flangeless, painted aluminum alloy wheels that assist in brake cooling. Front wheels are 18 x 8.5 inches; rear wheels are 19 x 9.5 inches;
A higher, more rearward-positioned rear spoiler that enables balanced aerodynamic downforce with the front splitter; and
V- series badging prominently displayed on the vehicle’s rear decklid and front doors along with “Supercharged” block lettering on the doors.
The interior of the STS-V reflects craftsmanship with the addition of more leather-wrapped surfaces to promote a high-quality, tactile feel and distinctive, crafted appearance. Interior refinements include:
Hand-wrapped leather surfaces throughout;
Olive Ash Burl wood appointments;
Kinetic-finished aluminum accents;
Sueded fabric seat inserts;
V -series badging in the instrument cluster, on the instrument panel, and on door sill plates; and
A new Tango Red color accent offering that is applied on seat inserts (front and rear), console, center armrest, lower instrument panel and door mid-sections (front and rear).
With three million subscribers, OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technologies. The 2006 STS-V will offer OnStar’s Gen 6.1 system. With Gen 6.1, GM OnStar subscribers can interact with OnStar's voice recognition system in Spanish, French or English. With the push of a button an OnStar advisor can change the system to allow the subscriber to interact with the system in their preferred language. Other core OnStar services are stolen vehicle location assistance, remote door unlock, roadside assistance, emergency services and automatic crash notification.
GM is the only automotive manufacturer committed to offering a full range of vehicles with safety protection before, during and after a collision. All OnStar-equipped vehicles come with Automatic Crash Notification. If air bags deploy, the system sends a signal to a highly trained OnStar Emergency Advisor, who contacts the vehicle to see if help is needed, and can contact an emergency responder to send for help. In many cases the occupants are severely injured and cannot speak for themselves. OnStar’s GPS unit allows Advisors to tell emergency responders the vehicle’s location. OnStar responds to at least one air bag deployment in the US or Canada every hour.
Additionally, the 2006 STS-V will offer the GM-exclusive Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. The AACN system detects collisions, even rollovers, regardless of whether air bags deploy. AACN also transmits other crash data, such as the direction of impact force, the number of and which air bags deployed and the maximum change of impact velocity, so that emergency responders are more prepared with this critical information before they arrive at the accident scene.
The STS-V was engineered and executed by GM’s Performance Division, an in-house center designed to explore potential enthusiast-oriented versions of production models. No engineering, design or assembly functions were outsourced – the vehicle is truly an original equipment offering.
Like its STS sibling, the STS-V will be built at GM’s state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River (LRG) assembly center beginning in 2005. In 2004, the LGR facility received JD Power’s highest award for plant quality in North America .
The STS-V is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2005.
nopassn
01-10-2005, 06:58 PM
a couple more.....
TECHNOLOGIES CONVERGE IN GM's CADILLAC STS SAE 100
The most technologically integrated vehicle ever debuts at 2005 SAE World Congress
DETROIT - General Motors revealed the most technologically integrated vehicle ever at today's opening of the 2005 SAE World Congress. The Cadillac STS SAE 100, which pays homage to SAE's 100th anniversary, will serve as a working laboratory that will aid engineers in developing future production vehicles.
"We have challenged our engineers to take the best of today's vehicle technologies and integrate them with promising future technologies to demonstrate how they will function together in a real-world driving environment," said Jim Queen, GM vice president, Global Engineering and general chairperson of the 2005 SAE World Congress. GM is the host company for this year's World Congress.
GM worked with 38 suppliers to integrate 50 different technologies into the STS SAE 100, ranging across safety, chassis, powertrain, electrical and comfort and convenience categories. Nineteen have never been in production, 22 are in production somewhere other than the 2005 STS and nine are currently on the production 2005 STS.
The vehicle, commissioned by Queen and executed by the GM Performance Division Vehicle Development Center, is much more than a "dream team" of technologies: Engineers will use it to document how the various technologies interface with each other and how they can be applied to future production vehicles.
"Vehicle integration is behind game-changing safety features like electronic stability control, which we are rolling out across our entire fleet," said Queen.
"Our goal with this vehicle was not simply to see how many different technologies can be incorporated into one vehicle. We want to learn how a variety of relevant current and future technologies can be made to function harmoniously while enhancing the total driving experience."
STS SAE 100 technologies include (see accompanying sheet for full list of technologies and their suppliers):
3-D navigation system: This prototype system uses actual pictures taken by satellites to provide the driver with a "bird's-eye-view" of the vehicle's surroundings. The images are so detailed that even trees and lampposts are visible. This detail helps the driver to relate the images on the navigation screen to his surroundings.
Oil condition sensor: An industry first in new vehicle features, this oil probe can determine and detect the actual level and remaining engine oil life. It can reduce the need for costly engine repairs due to poor oil maintenance as well as prevent unnecessary oil changes.
Inside rear-view mirror with embedded organic LED screen: This new device offers clear images from the rear seat (via a rear seat camera) or back-up camera, depending on what gear the vehicle is in. In addition to improving visibility behind the vehicle, it can reduce the distraction associated with tending to rear seat passengers.
Electronic limited slip differential: Unlike passive LSD, this technology enhances vehicle traction without brake/engine intervention, as well as provides additional vehicle stability from the differential yaw dampening effect. It also is easier to integrate with electronic stability control systems.
Two-piece carbon fiber wheel with magnesium spokes: This two-piece wheel is designed to be the lightest yet strongest wheel in production, which reduces unsprung weight. Reducing unsprung weight improves acceleration, braking efficiency, handling and fuel consumption.
Lane departure warning: Using a real-time vision system, it detects road markings and notifies the driver with a visual signal and a vibration (haptic alert) in the seat when a vehicle traveling at more than 35 mph crosses over the markings unintentionally. This technology could be especially promising in curbing drowsy-driving crashes.
Side blind zone alert: Radar sensors warn a driver about to change lanes if another vehicle is in the driver's blind spot. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these crashes damage 830,000 vehicles annually.
Capless fuel system: Removing a gas cap can be difficult for arthritic, disabled or elderly people. With this system, the user simply pushes an interior button and an electronically activated ball spins open to allow access to the fuel pipe, and closes when the nozzle is removed. In addition, a capless system means there's no cap to lose and no risk of a loose cap triggering a dashboard warning light.
Adaptive cruise control: Rear impacts account for nearly 29 percent of police-reported crashes, and most are due to driver inattention. Adaptive cruise control, already available on some Cadillacs, uses sensors to detect objects in the vehicle's path and slow it accordingly.
Reconfigurable color head-up display: This HUD projects digital readouts of key data (speedometer, navigation system turn prompts, tapshift, audio settings and adaptive cruise control status and alerts) onto the windshield in an easy-to-read and intuitive way.
Rear seat entertainment system: Who says only the people in the front seat can have fun? This entertainment system consists of two, 6.5-inch headrest-mounted LCD screens, wireless infrared headphones and two Microsoft Xboxes with DVD packages. Players can even "feel" the action with a haptic controller.
Rear vision camera: This system provides a wide angle view of the area behind the vehicle for detecting obstacles while backing up. The field of view is projected onto the navigation screen in the instrument panel.
The STS SAE 100 is powered by a supercharged LS2 engine yielding 505 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 520 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. It is mated to GM HydraMatic's newly developed, longitudinal 6L90E six-speed transmission, capable of supporting more powerful engines like the supercharged LS2. The transmission features Driver Shift Control, which gives the driver the ability to shift gears sequentially with a tap up/ tap down mechanism.
The STS SAE 100 was tested at GM's proving grounds in Milford, Mich. and Mesa, Ariz.
SAFETY IS STANDARD IN GM'S CADILLAC STS SAE 100
Crash-avoidance technologies represent the next wave in curbing deaths, injuries
DETROIT - Vehicles that sense impending crashes, intervene in time to avoid many of them and also provide advanced occupant protection in a crash can reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries.
The Cadillac STS SAE 100, introduced today at the SAE World Congress, integrates several current and future crash-avoidance and crashworthiness technologies that illustrate GM's comprehensive approach to vehicle safety.
The most technologically integrated vehicle ever, the STS SAE 100 demonstrates 50 technologies from 38 different suppliers, 10 of which focus on safety.
"This industry has done an excellent job of using technology to help protect people during a crash," said Jim Queen, GM vice president, Global Engineering and general chairperson of this year's SAE World Congress. "Effective crash prevention has always been a challenge because most crashes involve some driver error.
"Customers are now realizing the safety benefits of integrating chassis technologies like antilock brakes, traction control and adaptive cruise control," said Queen. "The benefits we have seen led GM to make StabiliTrak electronic stability control standard across our lineup in the U.S. and Canada by the end of the decade."
Developing technologies to prevent crashes requires an understanding of what causes them. For the STS SAE 100, GM and supplier safety engineers used an important 1997 study by GM and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI).
Called "44 Crashes," the study benchmarked a very large sample of crashes, categorized them into distinct crash scenarios, as well as how frequently they occurred, the rate of injuries and the functional, or income-earning, years of life lost associated with each. It also reaffirmed previous studies that show driver inattention or error causes the majority of motor vehicle crashes.
For example, crashes that result in vehicles leaving the road account for 42 percent of functional years lost, the very crashes that electronic stability control is designed to help prevent. Vehicles running into other vehicles accounted for another 48 percent of functional years lost.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently developing an updated version of the study, which should provide researchers with even deeper insight into what causes crashes.
In addition to the important life-saving features already on the STS, such as safety crush zones, advanced front and side air bags, and advanced safety belt systems, the STS SAE 100 includes multiple collision-avoidance technologies:
Lane departure warning: At speeds above 35 mph, using a real-time vision system, it detects road markings and notifies the driver with a visual signal and a vibration (haptic alert) in the seat when the vehicle crosses over the markings unintentionally. This technology could be especially promising in curbing drowsy-driving crashes.
Side blind zone alert: Radar sensors warn a driver about to change lanes if another vehicle is in the driver's blind spot. According to NHTSA, these crashes damage 830,000 vehicles annually.
Adaptive cruise control: Rear impacts account for nearly 29 percent of police-reported crashes, and most are due to driver inattention. Adaptive cruise control, already available on some Cadillac models, uses sensors to detect objects in the vehicle's path, warn the driver, and automatically slow the vehicle as well.
In addition to collision avoidance and occupant protection technologies, the Cadillac STS SAE 100 is also equipped with OnStar to ensure urgent notification and deployment of emergency response teams should they be required. Together, the crash avoidance, crashworthiness and post-collision technologies are representative of comprehensive safety in GM cars and trucks.
STS Technology Integration Vehicle
Subsystem Vehicle Content
Technology Supplier Partner / Source
Powertrain
~ 505 horsepower / 520 ft.-lb. torque supercharged LS2 - GM Powertrain with Eaton
~ Next-generation electronic throttle control - GM Powertrain
^ Hi-output generator - Denso
~ 6-speed 6L90E automatic transmission - GM Hydra-Matic
~ Oil condition sensor - GM
* Driver shift control - GM
Chassis
^ Electronic limited slip differential - GKN
^ Multi-link front suspension - McLaren
^ Variable gear ratio steering - Toyoda
^ Ceramic brake rotors - calipers: 6-piston front / 4-piston rear - Brembo
^ Adjustable pedals - GM Internal
* MR damping - Delphi
* Remote start and keyless entry - Siemens
* Adaptive cruise control - Continental Temic
^ Active exhaust valve system - GM Internal, C6 Z06
^ Two piece carbon fiber (rim) and magnesium (spoke) wheels - wheels: Dymag
Tires: Pirelli
Electrical
* Reconfigurable color HUD - Intier
* Sound system. 5.1 DVD surround audio - Bose
~ Next-generation OnStar 6.1 - OnStar
~ LCD instrument cluster - Promate
~ Three dimensional navigation - Bosch
~ Rear-seat DVD (X Box) - Microsoft
~ Performance tracking - GM Internal
~ High output EL extruded wire - Robert Miller Electronics
Exterior
^ Heated washer fluid - Microheat
^ Infinite check link - Stabilus
* Rain sense wipers - TRW
^ Power decklid - Hoerbiger
^ Obstacle detection sensing - Metzeler
^ Capless refueling - ITW
^ Ultrasonic front / rear park assist - Bosch
^ Carbon fiber low mass hood - Prefix
Interior
^ Variable Temp (Heat and Cool) Front Seat - Amerigon
* Heated Steering Wheel - Delphi
^ Beverage Heating and Cooling - Tellurex
~ Second Row Supplemental Storage - Stewart Reed Design
^ Platinum Interior - Drexelmaier
Structure / Glass / Lighting
~ Advanced LED headlight / fog light optics - Visteon
* Theft deterrent side glass - Saint Gobain Sekurit-USA
~ Carbon fiber low mass wheelhouse - Prefix
HVAC Systems
~ Supplemental rapid passenger compartment heating - Ventech
Crashworthiness / Safety
^ Side blind zone alert - Valeo
^ Lane departure warning system - Mobileye
^ Rear vision - Panasonic
^ Roll over roof rail air bags - GM
~ Seat mounted thorax / pelvis air bags, front/rear - GM
~ Dual depth front passenger air bag - GM
~ Crash alert seat (driver) massage seat (passenger) - InSeat
~ Rear seatbelt engagement warning for driver - Takata
~ Second row cameras with OLED screen - Daewoo
* Already available on 2005 STS
^ "In production or aftermarket, but not a feature on 2005 STS"
~ Not available on current production vehicles
RacingManiac
04-11-2005, 08:08 PM
Carbon fibre rims with magnesium spokes....that's nuts...
DEVELOPMENT STATUS OF TECHNOLOGIES
There are 50 technologies featured in the Cadillac STS SAE 100 vehicle. All technologies not already in the production 2005 STS are considered in Phase 1 integration development, or the subsystem is functional but not optimized or validated as part of the overall vehicle system.
Other specs
Paint color: Kevlar Gray Metallic provided by BASF
Interior: Platinum edition: ebony and light gray
Vehicle content
Supercharged LS2 engine
Source: GM with Eaton
LS2 vs. LS7: The LS2 was developed as powerful yet refined engine. This makes it a perfect base architecture for this vehicle. The LS7 is a performance engine with an aggressive torque curve, making it less suited for the refined Cadillac character. To enhance the package, and truly place this vehicle in the performance arena, the supercharged LS2 maintains its base refinement with aggressive power.
The engine being used in the STS SAE 100 consists of a supercharged LS2 yielding 505 hp @ 5600 rpm and 520 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm at 7 lb. of boost. General Motors has developed the integration of the Eaton M122 inner cooled supercharger to the LS2.
Engine type: OHV V-8; aluminum block and heads; 6-bolt main bearings, forged steel crank; powder metal connection rods; displacement 364 cubic inches / 6.0 liter; bore 4.00 in / 101.6 mm; stroke 3.62 in / 92 mm; compression ratio 9:1. Fuel delivery is provided by returnless, sequential port fuel injection.
Next-generation electronic throttle control (ETC)
Source: GM
Throttle actuator control (TAC) module hardware and software moved to engine control module (ECM) internally. In doing this, the stand-alone TAC is eliminated.
High-output generator
Source: GM
GM stocks this Denso unit, which is capable of 20 percent greater output at hot idle.
6L90E transmission
Source: GM HydraMatic
The longitudinal transmission is a newly developed six-speed (6L90E) capable of supporting more powerful engines, including the supercharged LS2.
Oil condition sensor
Source: GM
This oil probe can determine and detect the actual level and remaining engine oil life, unlike current sensors that are controlled by complex algorithms, in all driving conditions regardless of the oil brand in use. The sensor is an integral part of GM’s strategy to develop technology that greatly extends oil drain intervals.
The benefit of using such a sensor is:
• Industry first in new-vehicle features
• Reduction in warranty costs: engine repairs for poor oil maintenance
• Increased customer satisfaction due to less frequent oil changes
• Elimination of waste oil that still has useful life
Driver shift control
Source: GM
This transmission features driver shift control, giving the driver the ability to shift gears sequentially with a tap up / tap down mechanism.
Electronic limited slip differential [eLSD]
Source: GKN
An electronic limited slip differential [eLSD] can smoothly and seamlessly modulate its clutch (preload) between a fully open state (open differential) to a fully locked state (spool).
Historically, passive limited slip differentials typically used in passenger cars could only be tuned with one mechanical limited slip tuning. This forces engineers to compromise the tuning between high-demand activities, such as race track or off-road use, and typical everyday driving. The eLSD receives vehicle data via the GM LAN to provide different preloads for varying driving conditions. For example, low preload for parking lot situations (tight turns) or high preload for limit handling situations.
The main benefits of an eLSD include:
• Increased tractive capability without brake/engine intervention
• Vehicle stability enhancement from the differential yaw damping effect
• Smooth and seamless operation in all conditions, including tight turns
• Ease of integration with stability control system (ESC)
• Increased compatibility with mini spare tires
The eLSD system in the Cadillac STS SAE 100 uses a clutch pack internal to the differential housing. The clutch pack is engaged by a ball ramp actuator. The ramp is driven by an electric motor through a gear reduction system.
The gear ratio for the eLSD in this demonstrator is 3.42:1, while in a V-series it would be 3.73:1.
Multi-link front suspension
Source: McLaren
The goal of the multi-link suspension design is to offer world-class sport luxury handling in a package that allows for both rear- and all-wheel drive powertrain configurations. The multi-link design changes the steering rack from a rear to front mount location and replaces the front lower control arm with two lower links.
The design of the multi-link offers a variety of performance benefits. Compared to a similar short long arm (SLA) suspension, the multi-link offers appropriate levels of understeer, improved Ackerman correction, decreased torque steer, increased tuning options, improved road feel / force feedback and less high-speed shake. From a packaging standpoint, the multi-link offers smaller tire flops. The benefits of the multi-link are primarily derived from the forward steering rack location combined with the dual lower link setup.
The forward location of the steering rack offers several advantages over the existing rear steer SLA suspension in the all- and rear-wheel drive STS. The front rack offers the appropriate amount of understeer while reducing the steering gain increases at elevated speeds. This improves race track, slalom and maximum lateral g-force performance. By inducing the appropriate amount of understeer with the suspension design, the same size tires can be used on both the front and rear of the vehicle. The front rack location enables better road feel. This is accomplished in two ways. First, by decreasing the intermediate shaft to steering column angles, lumpiness is removed from the steering. Second, the motion of the knuckle in steer combined with front rack location decreases the angle between the tie rod and steering gear, creating a lower load gradient on the tie rod.
The usage of dual lower ball joints creates a virtual steering axis. The motion of the knuckle in steer no longer follows the fixed axis from the upper ball joint to the lower ball joint that defines a standard SLA front suspension. The wheel center now tracks through a virtual axis that allows the wheel center to pull fore and aft during steer. This decreases the size of the tire flop. In an all-wheel drive application this virtual axis allows for a much shorter spindle length (approx 36 mm vs. 65-74 mm for a standard SLA). With a shorter spindle, the moment arm that contributes to unwanted torque steer is cut almost in half. The dual lower links increase the flexibility in tuning of the ride and handling bushings. Because the ride bushing and handling bushing are no longer both on the lower control arm, the fore / aft link can be tuned softer. This offers better impact feel and decreases the harshness felt by the driver.
Variable gear ratio steering
Source: Toyoda
The goal of the variable gear ratio steering (VGR) system is to improve handling by reducing the number of steering wheel turns at low speeds; improving the steering angle and yaw rate relationship at moderate speeds; reducing high-speed steering sensitivity; and maintaining on-center steering feel. VGR adds or subtracts an angle to the driver’s steering input via a gear differential between the steering wheel and steering gear. A harmonic-drive gearing design has been used to create that differential.
This design combines near zero lash, minimal friction and minimum tooth wear. It also maintains a mechanical connection for fail-safe operation. The VGR system works with Variable Effort hydraulic power steering.
Moving beyond the VGR system in the STS SAE 100 is active front steer (AFS), which can be used to enhance vehicle stability by using adaptive steering ratio and counter-steering for yaw control, to reduce braking distance and steer inputs on split-mu (different friction at drive wheels because of something like an ice patch under one tire) surfaces, and for possible rollover mitigation.
Accuracy of steering will be optimized through use of a shock tower cross mount that aids in body rigidity, as already seen already in the CTS-V.
Ceramic brake rotors / 6 piston front, 4 piston rear calipers
Source: Brembo
The brake rotors and calipers in the concept vehicle are from Brembo. The rotors are a silicon carbide material made from carbon fibers, phenol resin and silicon. The front rotors are 15 inches in diameter with 6 piston calipers. The rear rotors are 14 inches in diameter mated to 4 piston calipers. They are exceptionally light, offering a 30 percent or greater weight savings compared to similar cast iron units. They have excellent braking efficiency in all conditions of use and resist abrasion such that they can last for the life of the vehicle.
The weight reduction obtained with ceramic rotors compared to normal cast iron discs allows for a considerable reduction in the car’s unsprung weight. This reduction contributes to the exceptional dynamic behavior of the car.
The composite ceramic material guarantees a high-friction coefficient in all conditions of use; a coefficient that remains constant when braking from any speed. This constant friction coefficient allows the driver to optimize the force to apply to the pedal. The thermal deltas, to which the disc is subject during heavy and prolonged decelerations, do not influence the friction coefficient of the composite ceramic material. This important property is difficult to obtain with traditional cast iron elements.
The hardness of the composite ceramic material guarantees a disc life that is almost the same as that of the car and its surface never corrodes, even in contact with water or the salt solutions that are spread on particular stretches of road during winter.
The calipers are an aluminum mono-bloc design that guarantee maximum rigidity and reduced deformation due to the high stresses generated by the pressure of the pistons on the pads. The pistons have a thermal insulator and are drilled radially near the circumference in contact with the pads to limit the dissipation of heat to the hydraulic system’s brake fluid.
The friction material of the brake pads is a mixture of organic compounds, suitably dosed to guarantee the best braking performance with composite ceramic material discs.
Adjustable pedals
Source: GM
No abstract will be submitted due to data already widely available.
Magnetic Ride Control
Source: Delphi
Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) is a continuously variable valveless damping system available in GM performance vehicles, including the STS, which incorporate a magneto-rheological fluid that varies the rheology, or flow characteristic, in response to electric current. The MRC system adjusts the damping properties of each wheel by modulating the current to an electromagnetic coil inside the piston of each damper.
In off state the fluid acts Newtonian, or it behaves such that its viscosity reacts in a linear fashion as a function of shear rate. Once a magnetic field is in place it becomes Bingham solid-like, or it will respond like a Newtonian fluid after a particular shear stress is applied, meaning some level of initial rigidity.
Remote start and keyless access
Source: Siemens
Adaptive cruise control
Source: Continental Temic
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) can maintain both a preset speed and a preset following distance. The system uses a radar sensor mounted behind the Cadillac crest in the grill to detect objects in the path of the vehicle. When slower traffic is detected, the system can make use of throttle control and limited brake application to slow the car and maintain the preset following distance.
When the system cannot adequately adjust vehicle speed to keep the proper following distance, like during emergency braking, it alerts the driver both audibly and visually through the head-up display.
The ACC system will accelerate the vehicle back up to the preset speed once traffic clears. The ACC works with the head-up display to indicate ACC status and communicate visual alerts.
Active exhaust valve system
Source: GM (C6, Z06)
The purpose of the active exhaust valve system is to generate maximum power output from the engine during full throttle acceleration while also preserving low noise levels during partial throttle. To accomplish both of these goals, a vacuum actuated exhaust valve is located just behind the muffler. When the engine passes 3500 rpm and the throttle position sensor shows greater than 85 percent actuation, the valve opens, decreasing backpressure while generating maximum horsepower. During normal operation or when the throttle position sensor shows less than 75 percent actuation for more than one second, the valve closes, which preserves low passerby noise levels.
The system has several key components. The intake manifold is the vacuum source and the vacuum is delivered down the vehicle, where it is stored in a vacuum tank near the mufflers. A solenoid assembly following a designated algorithm provides the electronic control to open and close the valves.
Two-piece carbon fiber with magnesium spokes
Source: Dymag (wheels) / Pirelli (tires)
It was time someone stopped believing that we didn’t need to reinvent the wheel.
This two-piece wheel is produced by means of a carbon fiber rim and a magnesium center fastened together with titanium bolts.
The goal was to make the lightest and strongest wheel available at a realistic price. This wheel has been in development for three years and has been developed with OE specifications as the benchmark. To achieve its goal of building the lightest and strongest wheel, Dyna Wheel has in turn developed its own proprietary resin, fiber and tooling.
The main advantage of reducing weight in a wheel is the reduction of unsprung weight. Reducing unsprung weight improves acceleration, braking efficiency, handling and fuel consumption. No other area of weight reduction yields near the overall performance gain that is that is achieved by reducing the mass of rotational parts (unsprung weight).
In the racing industry a factor of eight is often used when calculating the benefit of reducing unsprung mass against sprung mass. For example, a stock forged aluminum C5 wheel weighs 20 lbs. The MG/C wheel weighs 14 lbs. – a difference of six lbs. Six pounds of weight savings per wheel x 4 wheels = 24 lbs. x 8 = 192 lbs. By reducing 24 lbs. of unsprung mass, the equivalent in sprung mass would be 192 lbs.
Reconfigurable color head-up display
Source: Intier
The production 2005 STS offers an unsurpassed four-color day/night head-up display (HUD). The HUD projects digital readouts of key data (speedometer, navigation system turn prompts, tap shift, audio settings and adaptive cruise control status and alerts) onto the windshield. The driver can easily adjust the display’s position for comfortable viewing. In addition, the use of four colors (blue, red, yellow and green) helps to organize and emphasize the data in an intuitive way.
5.1 DVD surround sound
Source: Bose
The production 2005 STS is the first prestige luxury sedan to offer the Bose Studio Surround system, giving passengers a discrete 5.1 surround sound listening experience. “5.1” refers to a digital recording and playback system that uses six separate channels – left, center, right, left-rear surround, right-rear surround and low frequency effects (LFE) channel – to provide a 360-degree audio experience. With the ability to support a variety of 5.1 surround formats and a total of 15 speakers (the most of any prestige luxury sedan), the Bose Studio Surround system allows passengers to hear the power and nuance of each instrument and voice, with uncanny depth and spatial accuracy.
The surround experience is further enhanced for front-seat occupants through the use of four Bose Personal surround speakers, one mounted on either side of the front headrests. In addition to delivering the fullest surround experience, the system plays the widest variety of audio formats available today, including DVD audio, DVD video (the car must be in park to play video), DTS, CD audio and MPS. Also, Bose proprietary CenterPoint signal processing simulates a multi-channel home-theater experience even from conventional stereo CDs, so passengers do not have to start a whole new audio collection to enjoy the benefits of the Bose Studio Surround system.
OnStar 6.1
Source: OnStar by GM
The blue OnStar button on the rear-view mirror is a one-touch connection to OnStar. Services offered in the Directions & Connections service, which is standard, range from route support and roadside assistance to automatic notification of air bag deployment. The service also includes an online concierge and other information/convenience services. Additional services include Personal Calling, using the built-in OnStar phone, and Virtual Advisor.
The next generation is working on improving the anthropomorphic, or human-like, interface of the car by improving voice recognition features.
LCD instrument cluster
Source: Promate
A 15-inch by 6-inch LCD screen replaces the traditional analog instrument cluster. While maintaining the accuracy of the traditional cluster, this screen allows the driver to reconfigure the color, style and function of gauges and displays by adjusting the “skin” of the cluster. Gauges can be displayed in analog or digital formats and can be moved around the viewing area, allowing the driver to create a personalized space within the vehicle. Moreover, output from the three-dimensional screen will be readily visible in the driver’s line of sight. While the STS SAE 100 vehicle shows only two options, many other skins will be available in production.
3-D navigation system
Source: Bosch
While navigation systems are available on many vehicles, the Bosch 3-D navigation system is unlike any currently available. Instead of showing a 2-D or even a computer-rendered 3-D navigation screen, the Bosch system uses actual pictures taken by satellites to provide the driver a birds-eye view of the vehicle’s surroundings. In fact, the images are so detailed that even trees and lampposts are visible. This detail helps the driver to relate the images on the navigation screen to his or her surroundings.
Rear-seat entertainment system
Source: Microsoft
Understanding that fun should not be restricted to the front seats, the STS SAE 100 features an Xbox-based entertainment system. It consists of two 6.5-inch headrest-mounted LCD screens, wireless infrared headphones and two Microsoft Xboxes with DVD packages.
The two Xboxes are packaged behind the folding armrest. These game systems are linked for competitive play but can also be detached to allow each rear seat passenger to enjoy separate games and DVDs. Each game system comes with a haptic controller that adds a tactile response to the games.
To give rear-seat passengers a comfortable entertainment experience, a 6.5-inch LCD screen is mounted in each of the front-seat headrests. The screens are not stationary but pivot so that the passengers may adjust the screen to reduce glare or improve the viewing angle without disrupting the front-seat passenger and driver.
Rear-seat passengers can listen to the digital audio on games and movies with wireless headphones that communicate with the LCD screens via an infrared communication port.
High-output electroluminscent wire light
Source: Robert Miller Electronics
Changing between red and blue, the electroluminescent wiring depicts hot and cold mold for the first and second row hot and cold cup holders. Output ranges from 18 to 24 foot lamberts and are fully dimmable. The source for light is phosphor crystals in an excited state that give off no loss due to heat.
Heated washer fluid system
Source: MIcroheat
An electrically heated unit features a cycling technology that heats washer fluid to the right temperature and sprays it at specific intervals to quickly and efficiently remove snow, ice, bugs and road grime from windshields, windows, headlights and radar sensors. The unit can be seamlessly integrated into existing vehicle hardware, software and mechanical architecture.
The system operates this way:
• From a cold start, even in the worst weather conditions, it delivers heated washer fluid to the windshield in approximately 30 seconds, with subsequent automatic cycle sprays every 12 to 18 seconds to clear windshields.
• The system creates an initial surge of steam followed by hot fluid that, even in freezing temperatures, can help clear frozen fluid lines, unclog clogged spray nozzles and other washer system blockages.
• It delivers hot washer fluid directly to the windshield and quickly unsticks frozen wiper blades and prevents buildup of ice and snow. Since rubber wiper blades deteriorate quickly when operating over frozen, uneven windshield surfaces and when foreign material is allowed to build up on the blades, it significantly improves the blades’ effectiveness and longevity.
• A hot fluid system cleans windshields more rapidly and effectively than cold fluid in all driving conditions, and in all climates. The system reduces the average amount of fluid necessary for the satisfactory removal of oil, tree sap and bird droppings.
• The heated washer fluid provides a natural heat exchange when applied to a cold windshield, enabling a quick and convenient means to defog windshields when conditions are right for condensation.
The system has two modes of operation; automatic and standby. Automatic mode is recommended for:
• Ice and frost removal while the vehicle is parked
• Severe driving conditions while driving (ice, slush, mud, streaking)
• Defogging the windshield at any time
For de-icing, depress the switch until the indicator light starts to flash at a one-second rate. At this time all three heaters will activate. Once the fluid in the chamber reaches approximately 71 degrees C (approximately 30 seconds) the unit will automatically dispense fluid on the windshield until the fluid temperature exiting the chamber reaches approximately 40 degrees C. This cycle will repeat three more times (approximately every 12 seconds) and then the unit will turn off or return to standby mode. Pushing the switch at any time during this cycle will terminate the auto mode and return the unit to standby.
Standby mode is recommended for removal of snow, grime and mud, as well as ice buildup on wiper blades during driving.
Infinite door check technology
Source: Stabilus
DORSTOP® features an infinite position door check, which adds value, perceived quality and customer comfort with new product features currently unavailable on any North American-produced vehicle.
• Step-less check feature maximizes exit and entry room without compromising the holding force, even in wind gusts or while parked on a slope. Accurate positioning reduces door dings and scratches.
• End position damping cushions a swinging door at the end stop, eliminating any return “bounce” and significantly reducing body structural stress and potential for injury.
• The customer experiences a soft feel when repositioning or closing the door, and closing efforts are consistent, regardless of door position.
This feature advances the state of the art through improved ease of entry in limited parking spaces and reduction in damage from door contact. Additionally, it will help protect the occupant from shock or injury incurred during bounce back of the door, and will greatly add to the customer’s perception of quality when entering and exiting the vehicle.
The system consists of a hydraulic check system mounted between the body structure and the inside of the door. Optimal packaging is between the hinges; however, it may also be mounted underneath the lower hinge at the bottom area of the door, as in the STS SAE 100. The DORSTOP® technology is currently in production in Europe and available for immediate design and implementation.
Rain sensing wipers
Source: TRW
No abstract presented as information is already widely available.
Power decklid system / obstacle detection sensing
Source: Hoerbiger (decklid) / Metzeler (obstacle sensing)
The power decklid system is a high-pressure hydraulic system that opens and closes the decklid through use of a key fob, interior button or electronic decklid latch. It has been in production in Europe and North America for several years, and will electronically and hydraulically operate the rear decklid.
The power decklid system provides hands-free operation in opening and closing of the decklid, provides a stop and hold function, obstacle detection and is maintenance-free.
How it integrates into the vehicle and how it works:
• The system is mounted out of the customer view between trunk trim and the rear fender and has great flexibility in mounting the power drive system.
• The system has a power drive unit and two hydraulic actuators attached to the two, four-bar hinges. The actuation is by an electrical signal through an ECU to open and close the electronic cinching latch. The power drive unit also provides obstacle detection and will reverse when an object is detected.
• The cinching latch can operate as an electro-mechanical latch. The releasing function can be obtained both electrically (via build in actuating system) and manually (via key cylinder or emergency handle).The built-in circuit board controls latch performance, and provides an obstruction detection/ releasing function.
• The system also, provides a secondary obstacle detection touch sensor mounted on the decklid inside perimeter surface to help detect an obstacle in the closure pathway and reverse the decklid motion.
• The obstacle detection touch sensor is a two-wire seal that when pinched by an obstacle will provide a signal to the control module prior to a pinch force of 30N. (6.8 lbs.) being attained along the sides and bottom of the decklid under various environment conditions.
Capless refuel system
Source: ITW
The capless refuel system eliminates the need for a gas cap. The user simply pushes an interior button and an electronically activated ball spins open to allow access to the fuel pipe and closes when the fuel nozzle is removed. It provides all the functionality of a gas cap and eliminates the responsibility of the customer to seal the fuel system.
Advantages include:
• Lower emissions due to less open fuel pipe time. The system seals the fuel immediately after the nozzle is removed.
• No fuel door requirement allows more design freedom.
• No user strength requirement. Removing a gas cap can prove to be difficult for arthritic, disabled or elderly people.
• No more caps to lose
• Less warranty cost due to MIL light caused by loose gas cap
• Less warranty due to lost or broken caps
• Appeals to customers in extreme climates
Ultrasonic front and rear parking assist (UFRPA)
Source: Bosch
The ultrasonic front and rear parking assist (UFRPA) system helps make parking easier and operates only at speeds less than 3 mph (8km/h). UFRPA helps drivers avoid colliding with objects such as parked vehicles. The UFRPA system detects objects that are close to the vehicle which are at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off the ground and below hood or trunk level. The system detects objects up to 4 feet (1.2 m) in front of the vehicle and up to 8 feet (2.5 m) behind the vehicle. UFRPA determines how close these objects are from the bumpers within this area. Four ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers are used to detect the distance to the object.
When moving forward, the system detects objects only near the front bumper. If an object is detected at a forward speed of less than 5 mph (8 km/h), or if the driver is already within a certain distance to a detected object when UFRPA first comes on, the following describes what will occur according to your distance from an object. At distances between 40 inches (0.9 m) and 4 ft (1.2 m), a single amber light will be lit. At distances between 23 inches (0.6 m) and 40 inches (0.9 m), both amber lights will be lit. At distances between 12 inches (0.3 m) and 23 inches (0.6 m), all three lights (amber/amber/red) will be lit. At distances less than 12 inches (0.3 m), a chime will sound for a short time and all three lights (amber/amber/red) will be lit and flashing.
The audio chime can come from either an either a front- or rear-mounted speaker, depending on the direction of travel.
Variable temperature seat technology
Source: Amerigon
Thermoelectric heated/cooled seats provide vehicle occupants with individual, all-season comfort, by creating a micro-climate within the seat environment. The feature is ideally suited for hot climates and leather trimmed seats. In the STS SAE 100, this technology is integrated into the front seats, but rear seat application is possible.
The system requires foam with channels curved out for air flow. Integration with haptic seat technology will be a future challenge. The system is currently in 12 production vehicles including 3 GM models (standard in XLR and DeVille, and option in Escalade).
Climate Control Seats™ (CCS™) utilize high-performance fans and solid-state heat pumps based upon principles of the Peltier (Peltier was a French watchmaker who discovered the effect in 1834) circuit to deliver heated and cooled air to the surface of an automobile seat.
The following graphic is a typical Peltier module, which consists of semiconductors mounted successively, forming p-n- and n-p-junctions. A p- junction material is one that is electrically neutral but will donate protons, while n- type electrons will readily donate an electron to become positive. Each junction has a thermal contact with radiators. When switching on the current of the definite polarity, there forms a temperature difference between the radiators: one of them warms up and works as a heatsink, the other works as a refrigerant.
Simply stated, electrons speed up or slow down under the influence of a contact potential difference, where the effect is proportional to current and will reverse along with the current.
Heated seats use resistive elements to conduct heat through the leather trim. Ventilated seats use ambient air to circulate through perforated leather trim to facilitate heat dissipation. This technology provides both active heating and cooling using a Peltier circuit array which results in faster cooling of the seats in hot climate. The heating cycle, though not as fast as resistive elements, provides quick result for occupant comfort.
Heated steering wheel
Source: Delphi
This resistive electrical device warms up the leather wrapped steering wheel rim and part of the spokes. It is currently in production, and the heated wood technology is in the prototype phase.
A grid of resistive electrical circuits is wrapped around the area of the steering wheel needed to be heated. When switched on, it sends electrical current and the resistive grid generates heat. Clinic results showed a high interest in this feature in luxury segment.
Beverage heating and cooling
Source: Tellurex
Thermoelectric heated/cooled cupholder provides temperature maintenance of both hot (~120 degrees F) and cold (~40 degrees F) beverages. On the STS SAE 100, it is located in the front console and in the rear fold down armrest.
The cupholders are packaged as a module that includes the aluminum cupholder, thermoelectric element, heat sink, electric fan, switches and controls.
The thermoelectric element is a laminate of ceramics and dissimilar semiconductor materials arrayed in rows of positively and negatively doped pellets, akin to the Peltier circuit featured in the seats. When excited with electric current, the device absorbs thermal energy on one side (becoming cold) and releases it on the other side (becoming hot). The unit changes from hot to cold by reversing the polarity.
The system uses advanced system design to greatly reduce package size and provide superior heating and cooling capabilities. SPO specialized thermally conductive hot and cold cup adds valuable user functionality. Clinic results showed a high interest in this feature.
Second row supplemental storage
Source: Stewart Reed Design
The STS features storage compartments that are accessible from the rear seat when the vehicle is not in motion. On the driver side, a spacious, lit compartment holds briefcases and computer bags. On the passenger side, a shallow, divided compartment is perfect for books, games or small electronics.
Platinum interior
Source: Drexelmaier
Instrument panel
The upper and lower sections are hand wrapped with precision-grained leather and are further distinguished by use of distinctive dark Olive Ash Burl wood, which adorns the center bezel, console trim, and all door switch plates. Finished aluminum accents the passenger side of the instrument panel. To add an elegant touch, a narrow chromed strip divides the upper and lower sections. This accent is carried to all four door trim panels, establishing the theme throughout the car.
Steering wheel
The steering wheel is fully leather wrapped for a sure, uniform feel during driving. The wheel incorporates an aluminum bezel developed in a matching “kinetic” finish.
Seats
The seats are outfitted with high durability, sueded fabric inserts at critical driver interfaces. The color-matched inserts are designed to better hold the driver and passengers in place during high speed maneuvers. In addition to adjustable lumbar, the front seats also feature haptic safety response, massage, heating and cooling as is discussed in other sections.
LED front lighting
Source: Visteon
New high-lumen output white Light Emitting Diode (LED) sources now make LED front lighting feasible. White light from LEDs are not made as result of a three color RGB array, but rather from blue emitting diodes that shine through a phosphorescent film that then glows white.
Front lighting applications utilizing LEDs include: low beam and high beam lamps, daytime running lamps, fog lamps and static Advanced Front Lighting Systems. LEDs are solid-state semiconductor devices that convert electrical energy directly into light.
LEDs should be considered early in the design process in order to fully realize their potential benefits. The LED lamp system is designed to plug into the current lighting harness. Packaging requirements remain the same as current lighting system.
Theft-deterrent glass (laminated side glass)
Source: Saint Gobain Sekurit USA
Theft-deterrent glass, currently on the production STS, consists of two pieces of glass with a laminate film, polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) sandwiched in between. The laminate construction, which holds together even after glass is broken, adds 20 to 30 seconds to the time required to break into the vehicle, making “smash and grabs” more difficult. This construction also reduces noise and ultraviolet transmission.
System benefits include safety, security, comfort, noise reduction and reduction in theft rate. Laminated glass may result in decreased mass by approximately 5 to10 percent as compared to same thickness tempered glass.
Future integration challenges include increased piece cost due to the expense of the PVB laminate, about three to five times that of tempered glass.
Carbon fiber low mass hood / wheel house
Source: Prefix
Carbon composites are extremely versatile. The properties of a carbon composite structure depend on the selection of the components and how they are arranged. The two principal elements of a carbon composite structure are the matrix and the fibers. Fiber can be individual strands or multiple strands braided. The selection of the fiber, its orientation and its layering play a dominant role in determining the characteristics of the finished structure. The matrix (epoxy resin) serves to keep the fiber in the desired position. In addition, the matrix imparts important properties to the composite structure. Certain alloys may be added to the matrix during production that will provide additional desired properties. The components for this vehicle were vacuum formed and cured in an autoclave to minimize air porosity.
Carbon fiber components are currently in production for limited volume specialty vehicles such as the Corvette ZO6 Anniversary Edition. The carbon fiber components for the STS SAE 100 are direct replacement components that bolt to the vehicle and replace steel components.
Supplemental rapid passenger compartment heating
Source: Ventech
The Liquid Heat Generator is a rapid supplemental heater device that provides close-to-instantaneous heat in the vehicle interior. (At – 4 degrees F outside, the temperature near the driver’s feet after two minutes was approximately 63 degrees F, compared to 38 degrees F without any supplemental heating.)
The LHG is mounted on the engine block as a belt-driven accessory, much like the vehicle’s alternator. It draws mechanical energy from the crankshaft and converts it into heat in the coolant at approximately 98 percent efficiency.
Integration requires the availability of a location within the engine accessory-drive arrangement and routing of coolant lines between the unit and the radiator as well as the heater core.
Currently available technologies for similar functionality uses a fuel fired heater or friction based heating to heat the coolant. The LHG’s unique design enables high energy conversion in a very compact size. The LHG transfers energy directly into the coolant and presents the heated-coolant to the heater core almost immediately.
Benefits include faster heating compared to other supplemental heating devices (e.g., fuel fired heaters, etc.), as well as no supplemental fuel requirements.
Side blind zone alert
Source: Valeo
Valeo’s blind-spot detection system warns the driver if another vehicle is in the driver’s blind spot. This system consists of radar-based sensors mounted in the corners of the rear bumper as well as an amber telltale light in the left outside rear-view mirror. When the sensors detect another vehicle in the blind spot, the light illuminates.
Lane departure warning system
Source: Mobileye
Using a real-time vision system, this safety-related technology detects road markings and notifies the driver when the vehicle crosses over the markings unintentionally. A camera mounted near the inside rear-view mirror captures a video image of the road and obstacles ahead of the vehicle. When the vehicle’s speed exceeds 35 mph, a real-time processing system evaluates the video images, determining the locations of road markings and obstacles including other vehicles and bridges. If the vehicle crosses a road marking and the driver has not set the turn signal or has set the wrong turn signal then the driver is notified of the lane deviation by a visual signal and the directional haptic seat. If the driver has set the correct turn signal then the system does not notify the driver of a lane deviation.
A message in the driver information center notifies the driver if the lane-departure warning system is unable to detect road markings. This may occur if the markings are obscured by snow or dirt or if no markings are present. In this case, the system continues to monitor the road but remains non-functional until adequate road markings become available.
Rear vision camera system
Source: Panasonic
What it is and what it does:
• Additional feature for rear vision navigation that displays a wide angle view
• Rear parking assistance–view behind the vehicle for obstacle detection / crash avoidance
• Trailer hitch alignment–view that allows visual feedback for the proximity of the trailer hitch to the ball
The camera and housing assembly are mounted on centerline of the license pocket area. The camera is plugged into a power ECU. The ECU receives its power from the ACC back-up lamp and displays a wide-angle, 131-degree horizontal field of view and a 96-degree vertical field of view onto the navigation screen mounted in the instrument panel.
Rollover air bag
Source: GM
Roof-mounted side curtain air bags provide improved protection in the event of a vehicle rollover or side impact crash. They deploy downward, covering the most or all of the side window openings.
The curtain air bag is located on the roof side rail metal underneath the roof trim. Tethers may be added to the base of the A-pillar and base of the sail panel if needed. The inflators are generally packaged either at the top of the B-pillar or in the center of the sail panel.
The roof rail air bag is rolled up into a long, thin cylindrical shape and placed in the roof. Upon deployment the curtain air bag unrolls and fills with air pressure from the inflator. The roof curtain bag can deploy either in a side impact crash or a rollover event. A rollover sensor that is generally located near the center of gravity of the vehicle triggers the rollover event. Side-impact sensors are also utilized to detect and deploy the roof curtain air bag in side impact crashes.
Seat-mounted thorax/pelvis air bags (front /rear)
Source: GM
Thorax/pelvis air bags deploy in a variety of side-impact crash events and act as energy-absorbing devices to improve protection of the occupant chest, abdomen and hip areas.
These bags deploy from the front seat and the rear seat bolster. Similar bags can also be packaged in doors or pillars. Seat/bolster mounting provides consistent proximity to the occupant across various seat adjustments.
Deployment is determined by existing impact sensing technology. Algorithms take into account inflation time, proper deployment of the bag, crash severity and immunity from unwanted deployments.
Various side air bag systems are already available. This technology combines two areas of protection (thorax and pelvis) and keeps the same proximity to the occupant through all fore/aft seat positions.
One challenge is to balance the risk of inflation-induced injuries and still provide occupant benefit for real-world crashes. Other challenges include timely controlled deployment through sensing systems and occupant seat to pillar packaging for sufficient deployment space.
This technology allows GM to maintain side impact performance for its vehicles while offering improved spaciousness and more flexibility in interior design.
Dual depth front passenger air bag
Source: GM
Dual depth front passenger air bags provide occupant restraint in a variety of frontal crash events. The depth can be adjusted to either a deeper or shallower bag based on seat position, seat belt status or crash severity.
The technology can effectively adjust bag size and effective inflator output into the cushion as needed for improved occupant restraint. Deployment determination will incorporate current impact sensing systems that evaluate inflation time, proper deployment of the bag, crash severity and immunity from unwanted deployments.
This technology goes beyond the dual-stage technology commonly used today by allowing the passenger air bag to have different depths depending on measured vehicle parameters.
Specific challenges include its larger packaging size, appropriate determination of deeper bag deployment and tuning of inflator output to provide sufficient air bag pressure. Dual depth passenger air bags will debut later this year on the new Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS.
Crash alert seat / massage passenger seat
Source: InSeat
After receiving input from the lane departure system, haptic elements in the left-front seat notify the driver when the vehicle has deviated from the lane of travel. In addition to simply notifying the driver of the lane departure, the elements can indicate the direction of departure by vibrating on the right or left side of the seat. For example, if the vehicle crosses over the right-side line then the right haptic element activates, causing the right side of the driver seat to vibrate. This vibration is meant to simulate a rumble-strip but is more functional in that it indicates the direction of departure.
Haptic elements in the front passenger seat massage the front passenger. These individually controlled elements are mounted in the upper and lower lumbar and thigh regions of the seat. Controls mounted in the door armrest allow the passenger to adjust the intensity, speed and pattern of the massage.
Haptics (pronounced HAP-tiks) is the science of applying touch (tactile) sensation and control to interaction with computer applications. (The word derives from the Greek haptein meaning "to fasten.") By using special input/output devices (joysticks, data gloves or other devices), users can receive feedback from computer applications in the form of felt sensations in the hand or other parts of the body. In combination with a visual display, haptics technology can be used to train people for tasks requiring hand-eye coordination, such as surgery and space ship maneuvers. It can also be used for games in which you feel as well as see your interactions with images. For example, you might play tennis with another computer user somewhere else in the world. Both of you can see the moving ball and, using the haptic device, position and swing your tennis racket and feel the impact of the ball.
Rear seatbelt engagement notification
Source: Takata
In the event that a rear-seat passenger unlatches a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion, Takata’s rear seatbelt latch notification system warns the driver. In order for this system to function properly, the driver must ensure that rear seat passengers are properly belted before starting the vehicle. When the vehicle is started, the latch sensor system determines if one or both of the outboard rear seat belts are latched. If the latched belts are unlatched at any time when the vehicle is in motion, the driver information center on the instrument cluster notifies the driver. If the belts are unlatched when the vehicle is started, the system does not monitor the latches for the duration of the drive.
Inside rear-view mirror with embedded organic LED (OLED) screen
Source: Daewoo Electronics
The 1-inch OLED screen embedded in the inside rear view mirror offers crisp, clear images from the rear seat or back-up camera depending on the state of the vehicle. If the vehicle is in park or drive, the driver has the option of either viewing the back seat via the rear seat camera or viewing nothing. By default, the screen is blank when the vehicle is in park or drive to avoid unnecessary distractions. When the vehicle is in reverse, the screen displays input from the back-up camera and reverts to a blank image when the vehicle is taken out of reverse.
The OLED screen itself is seamlessly integrated into the inside rear view mirror. Unlike an LCD screen, the OLED screen does not require a backlight because the materials used in the display light up when an electrical charge is applied. The light-emitting characteristic means that devices do not need as much power to run and can be thinner than LCDs, which are dependent on a backlight.
OLEDs also offer sharper and brighter colors than LCDs and CRTs. Because they are individual lights rather than shutters that shut out portions of a larger backlight, the OLED pixels have microsecond response times and reproduce motion without smearing. Also, OLED screens have a wider viewing angle than LCDs. In this application, this is advantageous due to the driver’s position in relation to the screen.
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