1966 Cadillac Deville Convertible-white W/blacktop. Original-needs Restoration ! on 2040-cars

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J.D. Power study sees new car dependability problems increase for first time since 1998

For the first time since 1998, J.D. Power and Associates says its data shows that the average number of problems per 100 cars has increased. The finding is the result of the firm's much-touted annual Vehicle Dependability Study, which charts incidents of problems in new vehicle purchases over three years from 41,000 respondents.
Looking at first-owner cars from the 2011 model year, the study found an average of 133 problems per 100 cars (PP100, for short), up 6 percent from 126 PP100 in last year's study, which covered 2010 model-year vehicles. Disturbingly, the bulk of the increase is being attributed to engine and transmission problems, with a 6 PP100 boost.
Interestingly, JDP notes that "the decline in quality is particularly acute for vehicles with four-cylinder engines, where problem levels increase by nearly 10 PP100." Its findings also noticed that large diesel engines also tended to be more problematic than most five- and six-cylinder engines.

2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe favors cleanliness over radical lines

Though you might not know it from looking at vehicles like the XTS and Escalade, if you take a broader look at history, you'll see that Cadillac models have gotten a lot smaller from the tail-finned highway cruisers of old. At least when it comes to coupes, anyway. The Eldorado, in particular, kept getting smaller until it disappeared, its place taken in recent years by decidedly more compact XLR, CTS Coupe and ELR hybrid. What you see here, however, is Cadillac's smallest coupe yet.
Revealed today at the Detroit Auto Show is the new 2015 Cadillac ATS Coupe, the brand's first compact two-door coupe, and the first production car to wear the brand's all-new crest. It shares the same platform and wheelbase as the existing ATS sedan, but packs a wider track and unique bodywork that's decidedly more conservative and less unique in its angular styling than the CTS Coupe that it's likely to ultimately displace in the Cadillac lineup. Styling aside, the all-American luxury marque has engineered the ATS Coupe with a focus on reducing weight to the benefit of both performance and fuel economy, giving it near 50/50 weight balance front to rear with underbody aerodynamic elements helping it cheat the wind.
Buyers will be able to choose between two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo four and a 3.6-liter V6.

Cadillac ATS to go racing in 2015 as CTS.V.R replacement

Cadillac has been racking up victories with the CTS.V.R in Pirelli World Challenge racing for two model generations now, including recent GT class championships in 2012 and 2013. However, even winning racers eventually have to retire, and it looks like the CTS may be taking a bow at the end of the season. In its place, Caddy is reportedly working on a new racecar based on the ATS Coupe, and it might even get to compete internationally.
According to Racer, Pratt & Miller Engineering is leading the development and is already lapping the ATS racecar in Michigan for testing. It reportedly drops the CTS' V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged V6 powering the rear wheels. Since this is the same team behind the hugely successful Corvette Racing program and the current CTS.V.R, the latest car appears to be in good hands.
The new model would also adhere to GT3 rules, according to Racer, and that might signal a big change for Cadillac's motorsports program. It means that the ATS could be sold to teams in the numerous series around the world that accept these vehicles. That would broaden the luxury coupe's exposure and put it up against GT3 racecars from premium brands, like Bentley, Porsche and McLaren. If it wins, the change could be a marketing bonanza for the brand.