The all-new Cadillac XT5, short for “Crossover Touring vehicle that seats 5,” upgrades Cadillac’s line-up and serves as the cornerstone of a new series of crossovers in the brand’s ongoing expansion. Cadillac crossovers will wear the “XT” designation, a key aspect of the brand’s product-driven global growth plan.

A mid-size luxury crossover, XT5 replaced the Cadillac SRX crossover, and manufactured at GM's Spring Hill, TN Manufacturing Plant for U.S. sales and in Shanghai by SAIC-GM for the Chinese market, XT5 is currently Cadillac's best selling model in the United States and globally. Replacing the SRX, XT5 has a wheelbase that is about 2 inches longer, with greater interior space and upgraded quality of materials, and the latest in infotainment and high-tech comforts and functionality. New tech includes rear camera mirror, Apple Carplay and Android auto compatibility, as well as the new CUE®3 information system.

The Cadillac XT5 resides on a unique chassis and structure and it embodies the company’s mission for lightweight and agile driving dynamics. The new XT5 is 278 pounds lighter than the SRX, with no compromise to body rigidity and crash performance. At 180.5 inches long, 66.0 inches high and 75.0 inches wide, XT5 pushes the wheels farther out than the SRX, but still offers a front overhang of 38.8 inches and rear overhang of 38.2 inches, on its 112.5-inch wheelbase, with ground clearance of 7.8 inches. Base curbweight is 3985, and the Luxury trim I tested weighed in at 4257 pounds.

The new 2017 Cadillac XT5 combines bold and sporty architecture with a large interior designed to provide an indulgent in-vehicle experience and excellent sightlines. And with lightweight construction and a 310-hp V-6 engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, XT5 delivers unexpected handling and solid acceleration.

The cabin offers seating capacity of two in front and three in the rear, with 39.78 inches off front headroom and 58.4 inches in row two; 41.2 inches of front legroom and 39.5 inches in the backseats; and shoulder room of 58.3 and 56.2. Those measurements show that rear-seat legroom has increased 3.2 inches over the SRX, and the rear seat reclines and slides fore and aft, as well.

In the U.S. market, the 2017 Cadillac XT5 is powered by the new 3.6-liter V-6 engine which debuted earlier this year on the brand’s ATS and CTS sport sedans and is featured on the CT6. In China, the XT5 is offered with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The 3.6 features Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation technology, which allows the engine to seamlessly and automatically switch to a fuel-saving 4-cylinder mode under low or moderate loads. With SAE-certified peak output of 310-horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, the new V-6 uses variable valve timing for strong response and smooth power delivery, and it is EPA rated at 18mpg in city driving and 26mpg on the highway for the AWD configuration. My mixed-use tested achieved an average of 22.0mpg.

From a performance perspective, the ride was quiet, compliant, stable and smooth, and the independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with twin-tube struts and independent premium five-link rear suspension with twin-tube shock absorbers gave niche-acceptable road feel while pampering passengers. The variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering with rack-mounted electric motor assist with belt drive was attentive, though more trucklike than carlike in its response.

On the track, I experienced only minor top-wobble in quick turn execution and my Cadillac XT5 Premium performed to a 7.1-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a spirited 15.6-second quarter-mile.

The Cadillac XT5 is available in five trims, starting with the base model at $40,390; the Luxury trim at $46,290, which adds a sunroof, leather seating and more; the Premium Luxury model at $53,290 adds a Bose® 14-speaker Studio Surround Sound System, Cadillac CUE®3 Information and Media Control System with Embedded Navigation; and a Driver Awareness Package with Safety Alert Seat, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Detection, Front Automatic Braking and more; and the Platinum trim at $63,890, adds All-Wheel Drive with twin-clutch system with driver mode select, Reconfigurable 8-inch color Gauge Cluster, semi-aniline full leather seats, leather-wrapped instrument panel door trim and armrest, micro suede headliner, Head-Up Display and more.

My Premium Luxury XT5 added AWD for $8400; Red Passion Tintcoat exterior paint matched to a Jet Black, Leather Seating Surfaces with Mini-Perforated inserts for $1195; the Driver Assistance Package was added for $2340 and included Adaptive cruise control, Automatic Safety Belt Tightening, Automatic Park Assist, Automatic Collision Braking and Front and Rear Automatic Braking. The Advanced Security Package added $435 for locking steering column, door lock and latch shields, Self-powered Theft-Deterrent Alarm System, Inclination sensor, Vehicle interior movement sensor and Locking wheel lug. Black roof rack rails added $295; Assist steps were $750; black molded splash guards were $170; Black Ice bodyside moldings were $355; Black Ice grille with Galvano bars were $605; a rear seat DVD entertainment system was $1995; Tri-Zone Climate Control and heated rear seats was $625; a Cabin filter was $60; floor mats added $155; one year of OnStar Guidance added $349 and destination charges of $995 pout my test 2017 Cadillac XT5 at $64,260.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

As Carlisle Auctions prepares for its fourth and final event of 2017, Fall AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida, the company can look at 2017 with pride, as its most successful four-event year in the brand’s history. With that success comes growth and with growth comes added aspects to the brand, which Carlisle Auctions has been adding to since the re-launch of the brand nearly five years ago.

The latest addition to the Carlisle Auctions portfolio, an app that is downloadable via the Apple iTunes store to any iPhone. This app, combined with increased bidder turnout, added consignments, date expansions and more continue to enhance Carlisle Auctions position within the auction hobby and in turn, allow for higher quality consignments, even more bidders and sales numbers that were unthinkable when Carlisle Auctions held its first event in the Fall of 2013 in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Now, to the app itself. As noted, it’s available for download via the Apple iTunes store and is an amazing tool intended to make the buying and selling process that much easier. Not only does it display auction inventory quickly, it can connect buyer and seller on cars that are “still for sale,” offer a glimpse into sale prices for consignments, list results, etc. Though Carlisle Auctions isn’t on TV, its available to a much larger audience via a live YouTube stream of the events. The app offers a “watch live” option too, meaning with the simple tap of a finger, you can check out any one of Carlisle Auctions’ four events, no matter where you are in the world. Register to bid, get details on selling, it’s all there and it’s all part of this new FREE download.

“Adding this new piece of technology will make an impactful difference for the auction team and its customers,” so says Carlisle Events co-owner Lance Miller. “Carlisle Events does its best to stay on the leading edge of technology,” noted Miller. “Our partnership with MotorCrush and the Alive team have been nothing short of amazing and certainly showcases our efforts of staying on the leading edge within the tech field,” continued Miller. “The new Carlisle Auctions app is something our team is extremely proud of and it makes for a wonderful addition for our auction participants. Whether it’s to watch live streaming video, check what vehicles will be running or just check the upcoming dates, I invite everyone to take a moment to download it and let us know your thoughts!”

Carlisle Auctions next event is November 10-11 as part of Fall Florida AutoFest in Lakeland, Florida. After that, it's back to Lakeland in February, then home to central Pennsylvania for two events at the Carlisle Expo Center, Spring Carlisle and Fall Carlisle. Complete auction details are available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400.

Though the dust has barely settled on the 2017 Pennsylvania based Carlisle Events schedule, attentions are already focused on the first show of 2018, also taking place within the Keystone State. Auto Mania, an annual automotive flea market, takes place within Ag Hall and its surrounding lots every January, rain, snow, ice or shine! The 2018 show runs January 19-21 and includes PA’s Largest Indoor and Heated Swap Meet, limited car corral spaces within the event and outdoors, plus a great array of food via on-site food vendors as well as the neighboring Allentown Farmer’s Market.

Spanning nearly three-full days, Auto Mania has entertained and assisted motor heads for decades, offering some indoor solace from the otherwise dark and chilly winter months. The expansive Ag Hall within the Allentown Fairgrounds welcomes those selling automotive pieces and parts, food vendors, those selling movies, collectibles, signage, merchandise, antiques, aftermarket accessories and more, all will be offering a safe haven for like-minded enthusiasts to gather and catch up. After all, a show like this backed by Carlisle Events isn’t just an automotive weekend, it’s a reunion of sorts.

Situated conveniently off many of eastern Pennsylvania’s major roadways, Auto Mania sells out annually from a vending stand point, with a waiting list to boot. As guests wait in the que to enter the facility, there is an unmatched anticipation in the area. These vendors and guests travel from far and wide to buy, sell and trade all things automotive and really, to get out of the house in the midst of winter. From rare to common, unique to exotic, the event certainly does have it all!

An added bonus to all who traverse the grounds is the neighboring Allentown Farmer’s Market. The market runs Friday and Saturday of the show (January 19-20) and has as much variety food wise as the auto event does car parts. Just like there is something for everyone within Ag Hall for Auto Mania, there is a wide array of fare offered by local and regional farmers, including baked goods, fruits, veggies and more.

Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions have thousands of cars and millions of parts for sale as part of Fall AutoFest at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus in Lakeland, November 10-12, 2017. What this show will have that no other central Florida car show can offer though, is maybe THE best reason to swing by the facility to check it all out. In conjunction with the automotive weekend itself, Carlisle Events is pleased to announce the inclusion of an aerobatics show, with some of the top names in the hobby participating.

Since the SUN n’ FUN Campus is known for its massive air show each spring and annually supports the future of the aeronautical hobby, adding the air element made perfect sense. The air show takes place Saturday, November 11 at 12 p.m.

Guests are invited to turn their attentions to the sky as National Aviation Hall of Famer Patty Wagstaff offers plenty of ooooh’s and ahhhh’s as she defies gravity from thousands of feet up. In addition to Patty, taking flight will be Gene McNeely, Paul Schulten and his mascot Orville the Eagle. Enjoy the fun in the sky AND the fun on the ground with Carlisle Events, Carlisle Auctions and some amazingly skilled pilots too!

Daily admission is $10, with a weekend pass available at just $20. Further, gates open each day at 8 a.m. and offer access to a massive swap meet, car corral, family activities, a two-day collector car auction and of course the air show. In addition to flying, these talented pilots will sign autographs, while Orville the Eagle poses for photos with enthusiasts too. Complete event details are available via www.CarlisleEvents.com, while auction information is available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

When Buick introduced the all-new Cascada convertible last year, it was an invitation to drivers who wanted to live life wide open with features not generally thought of in a mainstream convertible. Cascada became the first convertible in the Buick line-up since the Buick Reatta ceased production 26 years ago, and it gained a following by offering a quiet, three-layer acoustically and thermally insulated soft-top system opens in 17 seconds at up to 31 mph. And Buick proclaims that Cascada presents stress-reducing engineering at a price that appeals to most budgets.

A suave, luxury, aggressively priced, convertible, Cascada, which is the Spanish word for “waterfall,” is an international vehicle built in Poland, with an engine made in Hungary and a transmission from Mexico. Cascada is based on the Euro Opel Astra sedan with some Buick Verano thrown in, but it is Americanized with 600 unique components, softer cabin materials and a more compliant and quieter riding experience.

Preferring to stand pat with few changes from the model Buick launched in 2016, the main enhancement for 2017 is a new trim – the Sport Touring model that features True Blue Metallic exterior color, Sterling Silver 20-inch wheels, sport pedals, Black Magic interior trim and flat-bottom sport steering wheel

With 2-plus-2 seating – seating for four (two in front and two in the rear) -- Cascada is a turbocharged convertible with a distinctive design, premium features and refinement. Its advanced chassis technologies include HiPer Strut front suspension and a standard turbocharged performance engine.

Packed with standard upscale comfort and connectivity items, Cascada is a treasure trove of standard items including Buick IntelliLink with a 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen featuring Text Message Alerts; Siri Eyes Free for Apple phones with an iOS 6 or newer operating system and available navigation; OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot (includes three-month/3GB data trial); remote vehicle starter; dual-zone climate control; front and rear 12-volt power outlets; heat-reflective leather-appointed seating; heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; 50/50-split rear seat with trunk pass-through; fuel-saving electric power steering; rear Park Assist and an available navigation radio and seven-speaker premium audio system

Cascada’s sculpted forward stance starts with a raked windshield and A-pillars, and elegantly travels to a sweeping body-side line with sleek headlamps that flow into the front fenders. The two-door, four-passenger convertible with front-engine/front-wheel drive measures 56.8 inches high, 72.4 inches wide and 184.9 inches long on a 106.1-inch wheelbase, weighing in with a curbweight of 3979 lbs.

Moving the 2-ton convertible is a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that provides 200 horsepower, with good broad-range torque estimated at 207 lbs-ft. Its overboost feature briefly pushes torque to an estimated 221 lbs-ft. Mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T45, six-speed transverse, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transmission, the system effectively accelerates, but passing at speed must be done with patience.

Steady, but not a track star, my test Cascada took 8.6 seconds to complete a zero-to-60mph sprint, and the quarter-mile was a 16.6-second trial. But with the top down and wind in my hair, it was a fun trip down the track. The rack-mounted electric, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering was attentive, though S-curves showed some understeer. The ride was smooth, however, with Buick’s HiPer Strut independent front suspension with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar and hydraulic ride bushings that work well with the compound crank torsion beam rear and Watts Z-link to level out rough rides by dampening loads to the body structure, reducing torque steer and gaining impact isolation on bumps and rough surfaces.

Economically, the system is rated at 20/city and 27/highway mpg, and my mixed-use tests came in at 23.7 mpg.

The interior is upscale, packed with infotainment and filled with soft-touch material, while heated front seats and steering wheel offer comfort in colder weather conditions. With seating for four -- 2 in front and 2 in back -- headroom is tight with the top in place at 37.8 inches in front and 36.1 in the rear, but unlimited with the top down; legroom is spacious at 42.2 inches in row one, but a confining 32.8 inches in row two; and shoulder room is good in the front seats at 54.6 inches, but tight for adults in the rear at 45.8 inches.

Safety features include six standard air bags, with dual-stage frontal and knee air bags and seat-mounted side-impact air bags for front seating positions; a standard rear vision camera system; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and brake assist; StabiliTrak stability control system with full-function traction control; automated, spring-loaded and high-strength steel rollover bars behind the rear seat that are linked to the air bag system; and an available Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning

The 2017 Buick Cascada starts at $33,065 plus destination and freight; the upper-scale Premium trim starts at $36,065 and the new Sport Touring trim starts at $37,065.

My Cascada Premium in front-wheel drive added Toasted Coconut (dark-gray) Metallic paint for $395 (the standard no-charge color is Summit White). Front and rear carpeted floor mats added $100 and destination freight charges added $925 for a price-as-tested of $37,385, but cash incentives of up to $2,000 are available, so check with your local dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.