Posts tagged with "Cadillac"

GM × BAMG – TDF

General Motors [GM] and Black Automotive Media Group [BAMG] Internship Returns for Year Two with Clark Atlanta University – Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Across Automotive Media

The Driving Force [TDF] internship program provides HBCU students with multimedia career development, enhancing the automobile industry’s diversity, equity and inclusion.

A unique internship was created in 2020 and is now returning for fall 2022 between the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, automobile manufacturer General Motors, and the Black Automotive Media Group.

Dubbed The Driving Force (TDF), the 10-week internship is designed for students interested in covering the automobile industry; and incorporates instruction in editorial content, video content production, and social media outreach, augmented by GM executive presentations.

TDF evolved following discussions between automakers and BAMG related to increased diversity, equity and inclusion for Black media in the automotive sphere. These efforts have created additional opportunities to help prepare the next generation of automotive media professionals.

TDF is led by respected automotive media experts Kimatni D. Rawlins, BAMG founder and publisher of Automotive Rhythms Communications; Greg Morrison of Bumper2Bumpertv; and other key journalists and publishers including Marcus Amick and Teia B. Collier.

“The goal of TDF is to extend educational opportunities to HBCU students who may not be aware of the myriad media paths in automotive communications … My automotive journalism career began with an internship with a major auto manufacturer, so I am thankful for the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience, and the experiences of fellow BAMG members with Clark Atlanta interns,” said Rawlins.

Supported by General Motors, the TDF internship, kicking off September 28th, is designed to highlight career opportunities as journalists, videographers, photographers, publicists, marketers, and digital and social media pundits covering the auto industry. Participants will showcase their work on various platforms at the end of the internship, and will also liaise with GM communications executives, designers, and product planners through a series of presentations and interviews.

“We are excited to enter into a second year of partnership with BAMG to support the amazing students of Clark Atlanta University,” said Michelle Malcho, vice president Product and Brand Communications, General Motors. “We look forward to learning together and helping to prepare them for exciting careers in communications and journalism.”

TDF’s mission parallels that of the Department of Mass Media Arts at Clark Atlanta University, which provides students with rigorous academic and professional training, complemented by a strong liberal arts education.

“We continue to move with momentum to ensure our scholars at Clark Atlanta University have access to a world-class education and that mission includes offering initiatives that focus on technology and enhancing their analytical thinking skills,” said Clark Atlanta University president, George T. French, Jr., Ph.D. “We want our students to exercise their creativity, be competitive in the world of technology and be included in the technology career pipeline. Initiatives such as this bring them one step closer to that goal.”

Clark Atlanta student, Joshua Paul Williams was a participant in the inaugural TDF session. “The business experience I inherited from participating in The Driving Force Multimedia Internship was far more than I could have imagined,” said Williams. “The program focused on individually developing each student’s communications and networking skills which has given me lifelong connections, practical lessons, and an expanded perspective.”

ABOUT GENERAL MOTORS

Based in Detroit, General Motors is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which powers everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Baojun and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found HERE.

ABOUT CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

Established in 1988 by the historic consolidation of Atlanta University (1865) and Clark College (1869), Clark Atlanta University continues a 152-year legacy rooted in African-American tradition and focused on the future. Through global innovation, transformative educational experiences, and high-value engagement, CAU cultivates lifted lives that transform the world. To learn more about Clark Atlanta University, visit HERE.

ABOUT BLACK AUTOMOTIVE MEDIA GROUP

BAMG is a distinguished group of Black reporters, publishers, writers, and entrepreneurs representing over 100 years of combined experience in automotive journalism within radio, television, print, experiential marketing, and social media. BAMG members either work for or own various automotive media platforms targeting diverse audiences. BAMG’s primary objective is to bring equity and equality to Black professionals who work in and around the automotive industry. For additional details regarding The Driving Force HBCU internship program, please go HERE.

Tips on Promoting an Auto Repair Shop

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An auto repair customer’s journey is a short one that typically starts on a search engine, and that’s why SEO and local advertising are such effective marketing methods. With some planning and an intuitive website, auto shop owners can continue to bring in new customers. Here are a few promotional tips for auto repair shop owners.

Search Ads

Many shop owners use PPC (pay per click) advertising to generate qualified leads and site traffic. Ad copy should promote a business’ unique qualities, such as special offers, fast completion times, insurance claims assistance, and satisfaction guarantees. When promoting an auto repair shop, work with a digital marketing team to set up ad campaigns, bid on the best keywords, and optimize audience targeting for the best results.

Local Reviews and Listings

Local reviews and listings are a great way to get an auto repair shop’s name in front of consumers who need help. The most important step is to build a presence on Facebook, Yelp, Google My Business, and other sites drivers use, as well as local sites. Encourage existing customers to review your services and provide timely responses to feedback. By optimizing listings and building a business profile, owners can boost their shops’ search engine rankings and build a stronger customer base.

SEO Strategies

SEO or search engine optimization is the process of ensuring that a shop’s site has desirable traits and can be indexed by the search engines. SEO is a highly technical, evolving process, so working with an agency is the best way to keep pace with algorithm changes and stay ahead of competitors. Search engine optimization ensures that, when drivers look online for local repair shops, yours will show up first.

A Well-Designed Website

A site that’s informative and optimized does much to support a shop owner’s overall SEO strategy. Don’t forget to include and update opening hours, location, and service offerings, as well as other important information. We recommend including high-quality photos, along with valuable, relevant content that keeps customers coming back for advice.

Chat Features

A chat button makes it simple for customers to ask questions and voice their concerns. With live chat, shop owners can engage with site visitors and start the service experience off on the right foot. Chat services, whether they’re powered by live agents or artificial intelligence, collect information about customers and their desired services, which makes follow-up calls easier.

Lead Management Tools

Drivers, especially those who need emergency service, typically go with the first shop to take their calls. According to a recent study, it’s much easier to qualify leads within five minutes of initial contact than within a half-hour. With lead management and tracking software that captures call recordings, lead details, and more, it’s easier to nurture these leads and gain a wider view of the shop’s customer acquisition strategies.

Don’t Wait—Start Planning Your Shop’s Success Strategy Today

We hope these tips will help auto repair shop owners promote their offerings and build stronger relationships with customers. Don’t be afraid to help you’re business succeed and market smarter, not harder.

AeroMobil: The World’s First Flying Car

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By Krish Narsinghani

As of late, 360 Magazine, had the opportunity to sit down with AeroMobil’s Chief Commercial Officer, Karl Hermanns, to discuss the first ever vehicle to fly and drive, the AeroMobil 4.0. The 360 team witnessed its beauty in-person and sat in the two-passenger cockpit whilst asking all the burnings questions that would be flying through one’s head. No pun intended.

Coming from the luxury brand and art space, Hermanns, was recently onboarded to strategize the launch plans and release for later this year. Currently in the soft launch phase, the world can expect the Aeromobil to be available for pre-order later this year and delivered to the first customers in 2024. With hundreds of hours of flight testing, the prototype is currently in Europe.

“We’ve all seen flying cars in movies and Science-Fiction for years and years. It’s finally real and will be in the sky two years from now… it’s an engineering miracle,” Hermanns pointed.

The 4.0 model number attached to the name stems from the 4th iteration of design for the craft – it’s been in development for about ten years. Each iteration has advanced the aerodynamics, technology and overall flight experience. For hundreds of years, it’s been impossible to get the science right but the engineering team, based in Europe, have solved travel hybridity for the first time. An engineer from the team was on-site and explained that the hardest challenge was getting the weight and proportions right of the two-ton beast to ensure proper takeoff when thinking of adding two passengers, fuel and baggage.

From an opening glance, the model screams Back to the Future. With wings spanning a total of thirty feet, the AeroMobil was the hottest attraction for guests wandering the Petersen Automotive Museum. The invention is fully automated with the wings folding into the body of the vehicle in under 90 seconds. It’s similar to those of a bird or insect the way it functions. It’s twenty feet in length and slender look may have a driver intimated at first, when in actuality, it’s size is comparable to that of an F-150 or Escalade. It’s worth noting that a four-seater version is also in design meant to be used as a ride-sharing service. Call it a “flying Uber” if you will, measured at an untapped 70 billion dollar market.

The vehicle wasn’t designed to compete with hyper cars at lightning speeds but for the intended use of traveling between land and air. Top driving speed is set at 100mph while flying spews a solid 160mph and 300 horsepower. With a range of 320 miles driving and 460 miles flying, passengers can minimize travel time and compete full trips with the one fuel up.

Comparatively, fully electric flying vehicles might be coming the market soon, but as of now they are less far along in terms of milage range. eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) vehicles have a subsequently shorter flying distances of ten miles or so at a time, due to batteries weighing down the aircraft. The AeroMobil can be fueled at any normal gas station and only requires a 400 yard ramp for takeoff and landing. Talk about conveniency when saving more time driving all day, beating out traffic, and even dealing with delays at the the airport!

A light aircraft private pilot’s license is required to fly. Forty hours of training are required to get said license. A massive portion of the ten thousand landing strips are under utilized but are open to the public, plus infrastructure that’s already built. The AeroMobil will be priced at approximately two million USD.

A show model is currently available for viewing at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. Watch the commercial at the following link.

Iconic Texas Auto Group Goes Green

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Cavender Auto Group is the first auto dealer group in San Antonio to install solar carports by partnering with local company, Big Sun Solar. The iconic auto company tapped Big Sun Solar to build and install solar carports at five of its San Antonio-area dealerships and its recently-announced Cavender Collision Center at Wetmore Road. The carports will provide Cavender’s inventory of vehicles with protection from inclement South Texas weather while providing valuable renewable energy savings on their electric bills.

Cavender has been working to incorporate sustainability initiatives into its operations, and determined investing in solar energy was its next step. The decision greatly enhances the customer experience for Cavender car buyers by providing shade and decreasing the interior temperature of the vehicles during the summer months.

Installation of the solar carports is nearly complete at Cavender Buick GMC West Loop 1604 at Culebra Road. Cavender Cadillac and Land Rover San Antonio are underway, and the remaining San Antonio-area locations will follow.

The locations include:

– Cavender Buick GMC West — 7400 West Loop 1604

– Cavender Cadillac — 7625 North Loop 1604

– Cavender Chevrolet — 30700 IH-10, Boerne, TX

– Land Rover of San Antonio –13660 West Interstate 10

– Cavender Buick GMC North — 17811 San Pedro Avenue

– Cavender Collision Center — Wetmore Road (opening Fall 2021)

– Cavender Grande Ford — 4562 IH-10 East (opening TBD)

Big Sun Solar, formerly known as Go Smart Solar, has expanded rapidly since its founding in 2016 and has built more solar carports than any other company in Texas, indicating the region’s increasing demand for clean energy.

Cavender Auto Group President, Bobby Cavender, expressed his excitement about the company’s investment in sustainability.

“Solar carports make perfect sense for Cavender Auto Group. Their energy lowers our electric bills, they provide shade for our customers and protection from damaging hail storms,” said Cavender. “We are thrilled to be the first auto group in San Antonio to embrace solar carports and we are grateful to Big Sun Solar for making it happen.”

Robert Miggins, CEO and Co-Founder of Big Sun Solar, expressed his excitement and gratitude to the San Antonio businesses investing in a more sustainable community.

“The momentum to build a more green city is growing,” said Miggins. “Solar has been available for many years, but with recent innovations, it has become more accessible for more people. Cavender Auto Group is one of the many businesses that are taking another step toward reducing their carbon footprint and improving the customer experience. San Antonio is a top-10 city in the United States for solar energy because its residents and corporate citizens value sound financial investments that also produce clean energy. Cavender is a shining example of this philosophy.”

About Big Sun Solar

Trusted by leading brands such as Cavender, Baywood Hotels, and Rush Enterprises, Big Sun Solar is #1 in customer service for Texas businesses. While every project is designed for maximum financial returns for their clients, it’s Big Sun’s Net Promoter Score of 88 that sets them apart as an industry leader. They have over 45 years of combined experience in rooftop, carport, and ground-mount solar systems coupled with experience from partnering directly with CPS Energy to build 5 megawatts (MW) of community-owned solar power. For more information on the company or to inquire about solar ownership, visit their website.

What Your Car Might Say About How You’ll Vote

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Forbes Wheels just published a summary of data indicating the links between the car Americans drive and who they’re likely to vote for. Below are the highlights — does your car match your political affiliation?

Vehicles And Voting: What Your Car Might Say About How You’ll Vote

A month ahead of the U.S. presidential election, pollsters might gain more insight into American consumers’ voting preferences by the vehicle they drive. Based on exclusive data from Strategic Vision, in an analysis of 250 car models and 11 political affiliations:

Republicans make up 55% of the SUV market and 53% of the heavy duty pickup market.
Democrats make up 38% and 36% of the small and mid-size APT (hybrids, EVs) market, respectively.
Among heavy duty pickups, Republicans outnumber Dems 8-1.
Democrats drive smaller, more fuel efficient cars (think Honda, Subaru, or Prius).
Brands also convey political leanings. Audi, BMW and Volvo over-index on Democrats, while Cadillac, Land Rover, Lexus and Lincoln are heavily Republican. Chrysler, Genesis, Jeep and Kia are more balanced between political preference.

For additional insights, a breakdown of top models by political affiliation or more on the data, view the chart below or visit the full synopsis here.

About Forbes Wheels:

Forbes Wheels is a trusted destination for car reviews, advice, news and trends, dedicated to helping consumers make informed car shopping decisions

Duckwrth – Coming Closer

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Critically acclaimed Los Angeles rapper Duckwrth releases his new track “Coming Closer” feat. G.L.A.M. and Juliana Romana today.

Listen to “Coming Closer” feat. G.L.A.M. and Juliana Romana HERE.

On the track, which is produced by LA based twins Two Fresh and G.L.A.M., Duckwrth once again instigates unpredictable and unprecedented genre alchemy. He threads together bouncy rhymes while G.L.A.M. fires back with a seductive counterpoint as their bars come together before the dancefloor-ready hook sung by Juliana Romana. This anthem glides between hip-hop and electronic only to border on unexpected pop bliss.

“Coming Closer” arrives hot on the heels of his buzzing feel-good anthem “Find A Way” feat. Alex Mali, Radio Ahlee, & Bayli. HipHopDX praised its “melodic message of perseverance,” and Brooklyn Vegan described it as “powerful.” HYPEBEAST wrote, “The single serves as an uplifting anthem during these troubling times, featuring lyrics that showcase the artist’s ability to reminisce about the past and see a way forward.” Earmilk put it best, “The single plays as a welcome beam of light during a dark time.”

Over the last five years, LA-based wunderkind Duckwrth has quickly risen up the ranks as a promising star of the future of music. His collection of critically acclaimed projects including Nowhere (2015,) I’m Uugly (2016), Xtra Uugly (2017) and The Falling Man EP (2019), have transcended streaming platforms and landed in films, TV series, and brand ad campaigns and have received critical acclaim from a vast amount of outlets including NPR, The FADER, Complex, XXL and more. This cumulation has led the rapper to become an international touring staple, headlining shows globally and performing at Austin City Limits and opening for superstars Billie Eilish and Anderson .Paak. Duckwrth’s music has appeared on shows like CW’s All American, HBO’s Insecure and Real Time with Bill Maher and his song “Start A Riot” was featured on the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack. His music has appeared in campaigns for the likes of Cadillac, Microsoft, Peloton, Amazon and Apple Music, and he’s worked with fashion legacies like Levi’s, Vans and Fila, as well as high fashion men’s suit designer Paul Smith.

Follow Duckwrth: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About Republic Records

A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, Monkeywrench, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains long-standing strategic alliances with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (Karol G) and Hollywood Records (Zendaya).

In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse), Lionsgate (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films during 2017 in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production is the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.

The Most Exciting Cars of 2020

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by Ronald DiMaggio and Christina Perry, TRED

2019 proved to be an exciting year for car enthusiasts: we saw a revival of the iconic Toyota Supra, a redesigned Porsche 911 and BMW 3 Series, and a brand new McLaren hypercar in the Senna. Those were all properly exciting, but with the new year well underway, I think it’s only appropriate to start looking forward [insert cheesy 2020 vision joke], so in this article we’ll be taking a look at some of the more important cars set to come out in 2020. This list is not exhaustive, though it includes all the cars that we expect to make a big splash in the industry.

2021 BMW M3

BMW is set to reveal its all new M3 sedan, based on the existing G20 3 series later this year (with sales starting early 2021.) Spy photos and renderings (like the one above) have fans of the brand on the edge of their seats. This is mostly because spy photos have indicated that the 2021 M3 may follow in the 7 series’ footsteps with an absolutely massive grille that extends from the hood all the way down to the front lip. Yikes. Less worrying, however, is what will be hiding behind that grille, a stronger and doubly turbocharged version of the existing B58 inline six, dubbed the S58. The new M3 will also be the first one ever to offer all-wheel drive. We can be sure that it will drive well, as all M3s do, but here’s hoping it looks okay…

2021 Ford Bronco

Ford is set to debut its new Bronco in spring of this year, and intel so far is pointing toward it being exactly what we expect out of a vehicle wearing a Bronco badge: a boxy, rugged, body-on-frame SUV. As we saw with the recent Supra unveil, bringing back an icon after decades of dormancy is a risky proposition, but it appears that Ford is doing it right.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach E

Another exciting vehicle from Dearborn is the new Mustang Mach E crossover. Slated for delivery in late 2020, the Mustang Mach E is Ford’s first full-fledged foray into the all-electric segment. It looks good, it will be quick, and it seems to be at least somewhat reasonably priced, though I do have one small gripe with the Mustang Mach E. Did they have to call it a Mustang? I’m not one to get hung up on the mostly arbitrary sanctity of model names, but this is a bit ridiculous. Aside from styling cues, this vehicle has absolutely nothing in common with the traditional Mustang, and I think it’s something of an affront to the Mustang heritage.

2020 Tesla Model Y

Tesla is planning to start deliveries of their new crossover, the Model Y, in the summer of this year. The Model Y, as all Teslas are, will be an important car because it will assuredly disrupt sales of its gas-powered competitors in a big way. Tesla’s entrance into a more reasonable price bracket with the Model 3 made quite a splash in the sedan segment, and we can expect the Model Y to do the same in the increasingly hot crossover market.

2021 Tesla Roadster

Another Tesla sure to shake things up, though at a much bigger cost, is the upcoming Roadster. Set to go on sale after the Model Y, the Roadster is a $200,000+ supercar with quite a few big claims to support. Tesla has claimed that the Roadster will do 0-60mph in under two seconds, and will be able to reach speeds in excess of 250mph with seating for four. If it’s as potent as Tesla says it will be, I’m sure Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren will be sweating once it hits the streets; though I’m sure those brands have at least a small fanbase unwilling to switch to a supercar that doesn’t make any noise.

2020 Chevrolet Corvette

We already know quite a bit about the new C8 Corvette, but since it hasn’t technically hit the streets yet, it still belongs on this list. The C8 is Chevrolet’s first mid-engined Corvette and it marks the biggest transformation of the iconic sports car since its inception in the 1950s. It is still very much a Corvette though, with pushrod V8 power, two seats, and two doors. Dealers are preparing to make deliveries as early as next month, and I can’t wait to see them on the road.

2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class

Representing for the luxury sedan category on our list is the all new 2021 Mercedes Benz S-Class, set to be available for purchase later this year. The S-Class is a staple of the Mercedes brand, but more importantly, it’s a technological leader in the industry. Mercedes tends to debut lots of new tech in their flagship sedan, and other manufacturers often follow suit. With this in mind, the new S-Class is sure to bring with it many new innovations, and induce lots of innovative ripples throughout the industry.

2021 Land Rover Defender

Arguably the quintessential British 4×4, the Defender has been absent from the US since 1997, because its lack of airbags (and Land Rover’s refusal to engineer their addition) failed to comply with US safety standards. The used market for the Defenders that had already made it stateside has been hot since then, and there was no hint of any new iterations of that classic Landy recently.

And now, the Defender’s return is imminent. It has a lot of modern updates, but it still retains a fair amount of the rugged, utilitarian styling that gave the original its charm.

2020 Lotus Evija

In the awesome but unobtanium category (for most of us), Lotus is bringing out one of the sexiest, most exciting hypercars we’ve seen in a long time. And… it’s electric. In fact, exciting is sort of an understatement. It’s the most powerful electric car ever, with nearly 2,000 horsepower and a top speed of over 200 miles per hour. Oh, and it charges insanely fast, too—18 minutes to charge 100% (to a very respectable 250-mile range.)

Even the name is pretty exceptional; it’s probably partially a clever riff on the electric vehicle acronym of “EV,” and it also (loosely) means “living” or “breathing” in Hebrew.

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Because the ‘Sclade is the perennial choice of A-list Hollywood celebs, reality show stars, and ballers everywhere, it has to stay on top of its style game. The 2021 iteration fittingly made its TV debut in commercials alongside Academy Award-winning actress Regina King during the 2020 Oscars.

It’s big (even bigger than before), and bold, adding 7.1 inches in length over the previous model, and a massive grill. Inside, there’s more space, and some serious tech updates to everything from the suspension and transmission to the giant, curved OLED screen that probably has better image quality than the TV on your wall at home. A diesel engine will also be an option for the first time.

*Featured image of Oscar®-winning actress and acclaimed director Regina King behind the scenes with the 2021 Cadillac Escalade.

CADILLAC XT4 SPORT AWD

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“Spunky with muscle tone and loads of curb appeal!” – 360 MAGAZINE

By Krishan Narsinghani × Vivek Lalchandani × Vaughn Lowery

Big, boujee, and imposing. Three words which are normally used to describe Cadillac SUVs. With more people buying smaller SUVs and crossovers rather than sedans, Cadillac had no choice but to roll out this new compact crossover. So, can the XT4 AWD hold its weight in this ultra-competitive market?

Design

Let’s start with playing the shield game, ever heard of it? Try counting how many Cadillac shields you can find on the vehicle – let’s keep a count. Starting out front and center is the signature Cadillac emblem located inside, you guessed it, a shield shaped grill (2). Admittedly it looks terrific and adds the touch of luxury that Cadillac loyalists expect. Outlining the grill are full LED headlights across all trims with signature lobster claw lookin’ DRLs. Looking at the side profile, the XT4 has one of the best profiles of any compact crossover out there. It’s slightly boxy like other Cadillac crossovers and SUVs but still has curves and swooping lines like its European competitors, the Audi Q3, BMW X1/X2 and the Range Rover Evoque. All XT4s come standard with 18” wheels but 20” inch wheels are optional. Also visible from the side profile are two more logos prominent on each front fender (4). Wrap around to the back to find full LED vertical taillights wrapping around slightly to the side of the vehicle. They work well on the XT4, making it appear bigger and wider. An interesting attention to detail is the two lower trims, Luxury and Premium Luxury, come with red taillight lenses whereas the top Sport trim comes standard with clear taillight lenses to add to the sporty aesthetic. Below is a dual exit exhaust setup with a single tip for each side. Rounding off the rear is the Cadillac shield placed right above the license plate which is placed within another shield shaped cutout (6). Overall, the XT4 is a very handsome breed that exudes luxury and sportiness.

Interior

The XT4’s interior is a much-needed upgrade over the past piano black cladded plastic feel. The soft touch materials, soft leather seats (ventilated and heated) and design integrate well with the exterior design. Slide back the shade over the sunroof and watch the white leather pop – making the interior feel airy and open. This must have sunroof is unacceptably optional. The design is refreshingly modern and upscale with a minimalistic approach. Cadillac nailed the balance between on screen vs. physical buttons… there’s even a volume knob! Step into the backseat and you’ll find class leading rear leg room. It’s a six foot passenger’s dream come true. The materials get slightly worse in the rear of the cabin but not obnoxiously. The rear passengers get their own climate control zone, lined up to resemble our favorite logo (7).

Technology

Looking into the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) infotainment system, Cadillac has come a long way in intuitiveness and display quality. The system is very easy to use with either the touchscreen or the control knob like its European competitors. Climate controls have their own set of physical buttons also lined up to resemble the Cadillac shield (8). The fully integrated display is cleaner than the stuck-on tablet looks of many vehicles nowadays. Its only downside must be that the screen is slightly tilted away from the driver attracting potential glare. CUE also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with one touch NFC pairing for the latter. Optional features include a head up display, digital gauge cluster, thirteen speaker Bose Centerpoint audio system, wireless phone charging, massaging front seats, and a rear view camera built into the rear view mirror that resembles a Cadillac shield (9).

Safety

Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking and rear park assist. Level up to the premium luxury trim and you get front and rear park assist, lane change alert with blind spot alert, and rear cross traffic alert. Other optional safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic high beams, advanced adaptive cruise control, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Unfortunately, Super Cruise from Cadillac is not available. XT4 follows suit with its GM siblings by alerting the driver of blind spot detections and lane departure warnings with the vibration of the driver’s seat.

Performance

Cadillac has made a name for itself in driving performance and the XT4 does not disappoint. Using a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the XT4 makes 237hp at 5000rpm and 258 lb/ft torque from a respectable 1500rpm. That’s 0-60 in 7.5 seconds. Not bad for the 3600lbs being carried plus a slight disadvantage due to the shape being less aerodynamic than rivals. Handling feel is good for a crossover and it rides very well on the 20-inch wheels. Stick with the 18s and expect a very comfortable and cushy ride. Go with the 20s and opt for the active sport suspension to get the best ‘drivers’ version of this vehicle. Heck you should be able to keep up with a base model Dodge Charger on a rainy day. All in all, casual drivers should have enough power and handling feel to fulfill their needs. Fuel economy is everything in today’s age and eco-goers can appreciate the fuel consumption of this one The FWD models get 24/30 city/highway while AWD models get 22/29 city/highway. The AWD system Cadillac threw at this is interesting in that it’s a dual clutch setup, enabling it to disconnect power going to the rear wheels to help fuel economy.

Overview

In a saturated market, 360 Magazine can confidently say the XT4 drives for comfort, boasts luxury, and combats rivals with dashing looks. One may argue that Cadillac has never built a crossover or SUV that truly belonged in the same conversation as major German or British players but now we have a winner. If you want a crossover that will haul your family, let others know you made it, and provides a fabulous trip experience, Cadillac will gladly sell you this one. Pricing begins at a reasonable $35,600 base. Counting nine shields on this vehicle, not including the logo on the wheels and the steering wheel (surely we missed a few), the branding imposes itself on consumers and spectators.

Paolo Pininfarina

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Born in Turin on August 28, 1958.

After graduating in Mechanical Engineering at Turin Polytechnic he began his career in Pininfarina in 1982 and in 1983 gained experience working at Cadillac in Detroit, USA, and then in Japan with Honda.

From 1984 to 1986 he was Quality and Reliability Manager for Cadillac’s Allanté project.

From 1987 to 1989 he was Program Manager at General Motors for the Engineering GM 200 project.

In 1987 he was appointed Chairman and CEO of Pininfarina Extra S.r.l., a Pininfarina Group company operating in the industrial, furnishing, architectural and nautical and aeronautical design sectors. Under his management, in a 25-year period Pininfarina Extra has developed about 500 projects and has consolidated relationships with prestigious international companies like Alenia Aermacchi, Bovet, Calligaris, Chivas Regal, Coca-Cola, Costa Coffee, Gorenje, Juventus, Lavazza, Motorola, Petronas, Samsung, Schaefer, Snaidero and Unilever.

From 1999 to 2004 he has been a member of the Scientific Committee of Turin’s European Institute of Design.

In 2001 he became “Emeritus Participating Founder” of the ADI Foundation for Italian Design.

At the Pininfarina S.p.A. parent company he became a board member in 1988, from 2002 he has been a member of the Steering Committee and, again starting 2002, in his capacity as the head of the Quality System Department he contributed to the award of ISOTS/16949 certification to the Company, which took place in July 2003. On May 12, 2006 he was appointed Deputy Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A.

On August 12, 2008 he was appointed Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A.

From 2011 to 2013 he was Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Farnesina Design Collection.

On June 2011 France recognized him as “Italian Personality of the Year” for his contribution to the success of the electric car sharing program Autolib for Paris.

On April 2014 he was appointed President of the company network E.B.T. – Exclusive Brands Torino, of which he has been Vice President from 2011.

On April 2019, he was appointed Vice President of Automotoclub Storico Italiano (ASI), the most important Italian association of owners of historical vehicles.

Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport

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By Camila Isopo × Vaughn Lowery × Anthony Sovinsky × Shelby Barbour

”Every now and then an automobile manufacturer shocks us with a treasure. Something that snatches the air right out of our lungs. This time around Cadillac breathes life into its newest family member and all she does is turn heads and causes jaws to drop.” -Vaughn Lowery

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, maybe you should consider the 2019 Cadillac XT4 Crossover for one of your very own urban excursions. We decided to venture downtown LA to Chinatown in our test model. Just like this vehicle, there’s an unprecedented reaction to Howlin’ Rays (Tennessee style hot chicken) as it’s one of the first establishments of its kind within the metropolitan area.

Launched in 2018, it’s their smallest crossover and a hopeful competitor in its segment. It sustains its own against the Volvo XC40, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Design: The aim of this model is v-shape inspired by crisp lines, sweeping arcs, and high-end appointments. Factory tinted windows allow for added privacy and UV protection against the harsh LA sun rays. But you also get a 360 view under the car, insignia displayed on the front, and a backup camera to view more of what’s behind you. Above you, is a dual panel retractable Sunroof/Moonroof, which allows more light to come in, making the vehicle feel roomier. Compared to its predecessor, the 2018 XT4, this new variation has more room for you and four other people.

Technology: Loaded with a vast amount of features which are comparable with many luxury manufacturers: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Satellite radio, WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth capability, rotary dials, and 8″ infotainment touchscreen. The 8-way driver and 6-way passenger seat controls made perfect sense after we shoved our faces and felt our sides begin to split. After all, who needs pants when you have an XT4?! Thanks to their elegant Bose audio system, with 13 speakers and tweeters, we were able to bounce some of the calories off from those extremely spicy french fries from Howlin’ Rays that brought us to tears. My dear Lord!

Performance: Just as significant as the aesthetic and feel of the car is its agility. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engines are peppy, to say the least, cranking 237hp with 258 pound-ft of torque. Clocking in at an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on highways, this model is a front wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option. This is also an advantage over the previous year’s XT4 model which weighed 15lbs more. Moreover, on that point are also selectable driving modes with paddle shifters. This new model possesses 4-wheel independent suspension easily, offering a high-quality smooth ride which grips most terrains with ease. On an urban excursion to Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles, we accidentally climbed up onto the sidewalk rushing to pick up our mouthwatering Howlin Rays Nashville style chicken. We weren’t only stunned by the 2 hr wait in a block-long line, but the fact that we were perched off road. This vehicle may just be Pismo Beach worthy.

Safety: Now, of course, the honorable people at Cadillac care about your safety. Thus, this model comes well-equipped with airbags: front, knee, and seat side impact for the driver and their co-pilot (the front seat passenger). You also incur a head curtain for all outboard seating positions. In addition, this car has multiple alerts. Whether it’s for lane changing, the side blind zone, or rear cross traffic. This comes in handy to avoid dings and scratches to its beautiful 18″ 10-spoke alloy wheels. Overall, the braking was decent, but not as sharp as other competing models at this price point.

Other specs: Fuel tank capacity for the 2019 XT4 sits at 15.9 gals. This car’s carbon emission is at 6.8 gals per year at 15,000 miles per year. It too has an air filtration system in the cabin and a powered universal tablet holder.

In short, the 2019 Cadillac XT4 AWD Sport is a match made in heaven for an emerging influencer, a youthful mid-level executive and/or an adventurous individual on the prowl for some of the best eats in a major metropolis area. Of course with a few friends in tow. The model we tested was $55,735 and it was worth every cent.

Pre-order here.