2014 Los Angeles Auto Show: Cadillac, Corvette, Dodge

patrick_y · 2014-11-21T16:09:09Z

Explore the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show with Cadillac, Corvette, and Dodge. See the Escalade, ATS-V, CTS-V, and Corvette Z06 Convertible.

patrick_y

WPS member · Automotive forum

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Patrick_y's coverage of the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show offers a vibrant look at American automotive innovation, focusing on Cadillac, Corvette, and Dodge. His post highlights the resurgence of American brands, showcasing their commitment to performance and design. This provides a valuable snapshot of the automotive landscape, emphasizing the unique blend of power and style that defines these iconic vehicles.

American Woman by Lenny Kravitz is a famous song that is iconic. And although the motor car was invented by the Germans, American car companies are still some of the largest and most important car producers and consumers in the world. And being in Los Angeles, we absolutely had to show some awesome American cars on PuristSPro. What's your favorite kind of Americana?

Cadillac. Like Liberace, Cadillac has a staple among world leaders. But in the past decades, Cadillac sales dropped and the cars weren't making the grade in magazine car tests. Today, Cadillac has done a complete 180 degree spin and now produces not only iconic vehicles, but iconic vehicles that drive well, and have garnered much press' acclaim.

Cadillac is also revamping its line up and creating cars with a unique angular style. Much of the company is being moved out of Detroit to New York City, an international mecca for style, design, and city life.

The Cadillac Escalade

LED Jeweled headlamps...

The interior of the Cadillac Escalade.

Cadillac is also making a foray into the high performance sector with the ATS-V. Designed to compete with the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and BMW M3 sedans.

With 450 horsepower, it's going to be quite something!

It's a stickshift!

The CTS V is larger than the ATS. The V stands for Cadillac's high performance cars division.

In the United States, much of Asia, and much of Europe; the Corvette is one of those incredible sports cars that is available at a fairly realistic price. Here, you get a car with killer looks, impressive numerical statistics in power and skidpad ratings, and exotic pedigree at a price that starts at the price of what is about a Porsche Boxster.

The Corvette Z06 Convertible.

Stingray

The Corvette's interior has some upscale touches.

See the Manta Ray design?

Corvette Engine that produces over 650 horsepower and 650 lb/ft of torque... That's AMAZING!

Corvette Transmission

There's a two word saying in America that translates to something that is very American. Muscle Car. Americans are known for their love and passion for muscle cars. Dodge has just come up with two new Muscle Cars; the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and the Dodge Charger Hellcat. Both of these Hellcats boast a 700 horsepower engine. They're priced at around 60% of the price of a Mercedes-Benz E63 or a BMW M5 and yet have approximately 150 more horsepower than either of them, but probably lack the refinement. What do you think? Does that make them a good value? Oh, one note, the engines seem to have pushrod camshafts, which are difficult to service (if the valve camshaft ever do need servicing) and don't rev to high RPMs.

Dodge Charger Hellcat

Yes. 707 Horsepower! By far, the cheapest horsepower per dollar ratio.

The interior isn't decadent, but it works.

Notice the tachometer has a very low Redline. The valve is a pushrod design that doesn't allow high RPMs.

Hellcat Logo

Dodge VIPER

Dodge Challenger Hellcat, same as the Charger sedan, just two doors less.

Thoughts? How do you like some of these American vehicles?

Key Points from the Discussion

Cadillac is excelling in racing, dominating World Challenge for three years with the CTS-V and now running the ATS-V, alongside new models like the Escalade and upcoming CT6 flagship.
The low RPM redline and pushrod camshaft system in the Dodge Hellcat and Corvette Z06 are a point of disappointment, as pushrods are not reliable in high RPM territory, limiting engine speed.
Despite the limitations of pushrod engines in terms of high RPM, their canted valve orientation and wide rocker arm geometry are inherent design characteristics.
The Corvette offers an unbeatable pleasure-to-price ratio, making it an incredibly appealing sports car for many.

The Discussion

amanico

Nov 21, 2014

Rear lights, of a Camaro... But the ratio pleasure price is just unbeatable.... I should try one, one day! Best, Nicolas

kevster

Nov 22, 2014

Is knocking it out of the park. Heads up folks. With dominance in World Challenge racing as driver and mfg champion for the last three years now with the outgoing CTSV and now running the ATSV for this season. The new Escalade, Gen 3 CTS V Sport and now comes the ATSV, and the upcoming CT6 flagship. Chevrolet with new Vette. Great stuff. Yes Dodge is still making muscle cars. I am aware their are foreign cars but meh... I'll keep it close to home for half the money. But then I'm from Michigan.

patrick_y

Nov 27, 2014

I'm really disappointed with the Hellcat's low RPM redline and the pushrod camshaft system. Corvette's Z06 engine using pushrods too... Pushrod camshafts are just not reliable in high rpm territory (which is why the RPM redline of the Hellcat and the Z06 are fairly low and not high respectively). Thanks for sharing those photos of the awesome racing Cadillacs!

Dr No

Nov 28, 2014

. . . in their power band, even compared to other pushrod engines. Their canted valve orientation . . . [current Chrysler Hemi combustion chamber / source: Google search] . . . of necessity creates the widest rocker arm geometry . . . [current Hemi rockers on double shafts / source: Google search] . . . of any pushrod design with separate shafts for intake and exhaust, which inherently curtails engine speed. Here's a diagram … . . . to illustrate the point. However, when it comes to making power

Dr No

Nov 28, 2014

. . . to play the White House, but Pat Nixon asked them not to play 'American Woman' on account of its purportedly anti-American theme. Art

patrick_y

Nov 28, 2014

I still find it amazing that so many years ago they were already making cars that could do the quarter mile in the 10.9 second range. That just boggles my mind. Thanks for sharing this lovely post with this information. The main reason why I like higher RPM cars is the flexibility of the RPM rev range. However, at higher RPMs, obviously lubrication while turning becomes an issue, so a dry sump oil system would be necessary. Something not all of these cars have, so it's probably an advantage they

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2014 Los Angeles Auto Show: Cadillac, Corvette, Dodge

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