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Other Systems

Brakes

The Seville STS features Cadillac’s sophisticated anti-lock braking
system (ABS) designed by Bosch. The ABS computer continuously monitors
information received from speed sensors, located at each wheel. Front
wheels are monitored and controlled independently, while rear wheels
are dual-monitored to provide a braking system which minimizes loss
of braking capability in severe braking conditions. Simultaneously,
the design of the Bosch ABS system maximizes lateral stability in
severe brake applications.

The system’s highly advanced technological design is capable of making
brake pressure adjustments as traction needs demand - essentially
"pumping" the brakes up to 15 times per second. This is, of course,
much more rapid and precise than is humanly possible for the driver to
accomplish. Through continuous monitoring via the wheel speed sensors,
ABS controls tire slip, deters wheel lock-up, and works to maintain the
maximum possible braking force between the tire and the road surface. 

The front brakes of the STS have also been extensively revised for 1997,
providing improved stopping performance, improved braking response and a
better pedal feel. Front brake discs are now 11.9 inches in diameter,
about 1 inch larger than in 1996, which provides additional stopping
power with improved better fade resistance during repeated stops from
higher speeds. 


 
StabiliTrak

Cadillac introduces yet another breakthrough in safety technology with
the introduction of StabiliTrak - Integrated Chassis Control System
(ICCS) with Stability Enhancement and Road Texture Detection - as
standard equipment on the 1997 Seville STS. 
StabiliTrak is designed to make vehicle handling more predictable and
consistent under all driving conditions on all road surfaces. This
exclusive chassis technology also improves Anti-Lock Braking System
(ABS) performance on rough or bumpy roads. The StabiliTrak system
incorporates two new features into the Integrated Chassis Control
System: Stability Enhancement and Road Texture Detection. 

StabiliTrak utilizes precise application of the vehicle brakes to
assist the driver in maintaining control of the vehicle during
cornering, lane changes and other maneuvers. StabiliTrak improves
stability of the vehicle by comparing how much the driver is turning
the steering wheel with how well the vehicle is responding to this
input. If the system determines that the vehicle is not responding
appropriately to the driver’s steering input, the system precisely
applies individual front brakes to slow the vehicle and bring it back
to its intended path. The inherent stability of Cadillac’s
front-wheel-drive design allows effective enhancement of the vehicles
stability by use of just the front brakes. 

StabiliTrak is made possible by simple, yet sophisticated, hardware
and powerful software. The driver’s intentions are precisely measured
by a digital steering angle sensor, which measures steering angle to
a resolution of one degree. The yaw of the car body - the rate at
which it is actually turning - is measured by a solid state yaw rate
sensor, which converts the turning motion of the body into a
computer-readable signal. A lateral accelerometer helps the computer
determine whether available traction has been exceeded. This allows
the computer to fine tune corrections to match the cornering speeds
and available traction. The same computer that operates the ABS and
Traction Control system also controls StabiliTrak. 

StabiliTrak automatically assists the driver anytime the vehicle
senses loss of control during acceleration, braking or turning
maneuvers. The result of StabiliTrak is that the vehicle seems to
respond almost intuitively to the needs of the driver, no matter how
demanding the conditions and situation. 

StabiliTrak also features Road Texture Detection, a system that
increases the effectiveness of the Anti-Lock Braking System by
measuring the roughness of the road and adjusting brake operation
accordingly. When braking on bumpy roads, the movements of the wheels
over the bumps can reduce traction to the point where the wheels
start to prematurely lock. The ABS controller interprets these
changes in wheel speed as the beginnings of a skid and activates the
ABS. Using information from the wheel position sensors of the
Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension (CV-RSS), Road Texture
Detection can instantly measure how rough the road is and adjust
braking operation accordingly. Information from the wheel position
sensors is processed by the digital signal processor in the CV-RSS
controller, which classifies the road as smooth, rough, coarse or
harsh. This information is used by the ABS/Traction Control computer
to modify operation of the ABS. 

The result is increased effectiveness of the ABS, with shorter, more
consistent stopping distances on rough roads. Road Texture Detection
will also increase customer satisfaction by reducing unnecessary ABS
enactment. 

StabiliTrak, another in a long line of technologically advanced
safety features, is designed with owner safety in mind. 


 
Suspension

The Seville STS features Cadillac’s advanced Continuously Variable
Road Sensing Suspension (CV-RSS) which replaces conventional shocks
with four fast-acting computer-controlled dampers. These dampers
feature a continuously variable damper valve, which can switch from
limousine soft to race-car firm in the time it takes the car to travel
just a few feet at highway speed. CV-RSS allows the car to ride softly
during normal driving, while providing firmer suspension control on
rougher roads and during emergency maneuvers. CV-RSS can fine tune
damping rates for any road surface or driving condition, offering the
optimal ride and handling balance for any condition. 
 
Traction Control

A Full-Range Traction Control System works in tandem with Cadillac’s
Anti-Lock Braking System to deliver an even greater degree of driving
safety to Cadillac customers. The two systems operate in perfect
unison to control tire slip and inhibit wheel lock-up during braking
applications. The technologically advanced Traction Control System
regulates tire/wheel spin at most driving speeds and road conditions
during acceleration. 
 
Magnasteer

Whether highway driving or maneuvering into tight parking spaces,
MagnasteerTM provides a smooth transition from one level of effort to
another - for improved highway feel, stability, maneuverability,
comfort and safety. The implementation of magnetic speed
variable-assist power steering achieves a superior steering system,
one that is acutely keyed to vehicle-speed conditions. A unique 
ombination of hydraulics, electronics and magnetics comprises the
system, which is engineered to provide continuous speed-sensitive,
variable-effort power steering. 
 
Enhanced Structure

The Seville STS benefits from major structural enhancements for
1997. Using sophisticated computer analysis and other high tech
tools, Cadillac engineers identified dozens of areas where the body
structure of Cadillac’s front-wheel-drive models could be enhanced.
The engineers then redesigned key components and added new parts in
strategic locations to significantly improve the stiffness of the
body structure. Benefits include: a more secure and substantial feel,
a quieter vehicle (noise, vibration and harshness from the road,
powertrain and other inputs are easier to isolate) and improved
durability (by reducing flex and vibration that tends to loosen
fasteners, causing squeaks and rattles). 

hollywoodbix@sympatico.ca