1998 Cadillac Seville...Continued

Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension, ABS and 60-series tires insure that the ride will be smooth and as sporty as desired.

A new system of magnetically variable steering control stiffens the effort at higher speeds to make the car more stable. This Magnasteer power steering, Rainsense automatic wiper system, and dual zone heating controls are standard on the STS, and optional on other models.

When the best features of all the existing components are integrated with some space-age sensors, the final element of Cadillac's Integrated Car Control System is in place, offering the finest skid control yet available in a production car.

This involves comparing the input from the traction control system to signals from a very sensitive solid state gyro system. If sideways motion is detected, especially along with different speeds from the wheels, the system diminishes the throttle input, and applies brakes to those wheels that will bring the car back into a smooth track. Note that this detects only sideways motion, not g-force, so the ICCS system will only be brought into action when the car is actually sliding.

Last year I spent the better part of a day on sand and soapy water on the Phoenix racetrack, and even my most heavy-handed car control was brought into line by the ICCS system.

Additionally Cadillac will offer their OnStar satellite locator system. It does not use the expensive screen that other systems use to provide navigation capabilities, but has a 24-hour station to provide directions and handle many emergencies and concerns.

First, if one wants to get directions to a known address, or most businesses or sites of interest, a toll-free call to OnStar agents will provide this information. Directions can be recorded and played back on the Cadillac cellular phone memory. In addition, these agents will be able to make reservations, and even order items like flowers. Second, road service can be dispatched quickly. Since most calls are for keys locked in the car, Cadillac can trigger the electric lock release remotely, eliminating the need for a locksmith. Third, if the car is stolen, OnStar is notified if the alarm is triggered, and will track the car for the police. Fourth, if an accident occurs that triggers the airbags, emergency services are immediately notified by OnStar. And finally, they have just announced that they will soon have the capability to tap into the engine computers to diagnose problems remotely.