. Technologies Converge In GM's Cadillac
STS SAE 100
The most technologically
integrated vehicle ever debuts at 2005 SAE World Congress
Cadillac STS
Photo: GM
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.
STS SAE 100 technologies
include:
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.
