Cadillac's CUE Sets Infotainment on Its Ear

Innovative In-Car Connectivity System Delivers Touchscreen, New Levels of Interaction

RAYNHAM, MASS. (11/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Cadillac isn't the first automaker to produce a high-tech entertainment and information system, but intuitive, industry-first features on its upcoming offering may one-up the competition. Coming to Cadillac dealerships next year, the luxury automaker's CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system will aim to shift the way drivers interact with their vehicles, combining a fully capacitive eight-inch touchscreen with a 12.3-inch customizable LCD gauge cluster.

The CUE system will first appear in the all-new Cadillac XTS luxury sedan, which will debut at the LA Auto Show later this month before going into production next spring. Following its launch in the XTS, CUE will also be incorporated into the 2013 Cadillac SRX crossover and the upcoming BMW 3 Series-challenging Cadillac ATS. Cadillac says all vehicles in its lineup will feature CUE by 2015.

"If you're not going to be the first, you should be the best," said Greg Connor, general sales manager of Massachusetts Cadillac dealer Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac. "Cadillac has taken its time and created a system that is more than a match for the offerings from BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. CUE is going to change the way we look at vehicle interfaces as a whole."

As the first of its kind in the auto industry, the CUE's touchscreen is equipped with a proximity-sensing, haptic-feedback interface. When the screen isn't in use, it fades to reduce the chances of distraction, but the system's real trick is sensing when the driver's hand is within eight inches of the screen, bringing the screen back to life. The screen also provides pulsing feedback when touched to give users a clear indication of movement when scrolling, and zooming and swiping controls will be similar to the multi-touch motions used on smartphones.

While touch technology has been put at a premium in the Cadillac CUE, the system also makes voice commands easier than ever. CUE is able to recognize natural speech, which means that users can speak logically and use fewer commands when entering addresses for navigation or picking music playlists. When connected to a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, Cadillac will offer Pandora and Stitcher radio integration, as well as 30 more internet apps within the first year.

Because CUE is capable of so many functions, Cadillac is able to reduce the number of physical buttons in the cockpit, creating a clean, modern appearance in line with the luxury automaker's well-received Art & Science design theme. The elements of Art & Science come to life in CUE through the customizable gauge cluster, which can display as much or as little information as desired. Drivers can view turn-by-turn directions, phone call information and music playback details directly behind the steering wheel, allowing them to keep their eyes closer to the road.

"Once again, Cadillac is raising the bar," Connor noted. "While some automakers have rushed to get similar hardware out just to say they have it, Cadillac has spent years refining the design and function of CUE. The result is a system that is more usable and integrated better than anything the competition offers."

About Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac:

Serving Massachusetts car buyers for more than 50 years, Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac has earned a reputation for top-notch service and satisfied customers. With a wide selection of models like the Cadillac CTS, Buick Enclave and GMC Sierra pickup truck, Mastria Buick GMC Cadillac has the vehicles shoppers want, as well as the skilled service staff needed to keep their cars, trucks and SUVs running like new for years to come. Stop by their dealership at 1525 New State Highway in Raynham, Mass., browse their inventory online at www.mastriamotors.com, find them on Facebook, or call them at 800-821-1998 today.