Cadillac adds new fuel efficiency boosting tech for 2016 models

Cadillac has announced that it is integrating new technologies into some of its 2016 year model cars and SUVs in an effort to boost fuel efficiency. Among the new technologies that Cadillac is adding to some of its models are Active Fuel management, automatic Start/Stop, and more widespread use of its new 8-speed transmission.

The new 6-cylinder engine that Caddy is using on some of its vehicles has Active Fuel management also known as cylinder deactivation. That tech allows the car to change from six cylinder operation to four-cylinder operation under light load conditions to improve fuel economy.

The 3.6L engine with this tech inside is used in the 2016 ATS and CTS lines. Cadillac is also using cylinder deactivation in the Escalade and the CTS-V fitted with V8 engines. In those applications, the V8 engines can turn off half the cylinders under light load. ATS and CTS vehicles with a 2.0L turbo engine will get automatic start/stop tech to turn engines off at a stop to save fuel.

The engine stops when the vehicle is stationary and starts back up when the brake pedal is released. In the new start/stop system the battery isn't relied on for starting operations, Caddy uses ultracapacitors to re-start the engine. That capacitor tech gives smoother and faster restarts than other systems. The 8-speed transmission improves economy by allowing the engine to reduce RPMs at speed.

SOURCE: GM