The infotainment radio, called the Bose audio system with infotainment, offers myriad on- and off-line capabilities through the integration of a computer, navigation system, CD-ROM and radio functions. It will be the first application of an OEM-installed PC in a car and will be an option on the 2001 Seville and DeVille.

In addition, OnStar in 2001 will offer a number of new services, including personal calling and Virtual Advisor, which gives consumers hands-free access to personalized Internet data.

"Motorists spend about 500 million hours a week in their vehicles," said Mike O’Malley, Cadillac general marketing manager. "These new features and services can help make those hours more productive and entertaining. With wireless and satellite technology that allows the convergence of functionality in the vehicle, Cadillac and OnStar are extending their technology leadership and GM’s core business."

Created by Delphi Automotive Systems, the infotainment radio integrates complete full-function color map-based navigation with radio, CD-ROM, compact flash memory and audio playback.

The system is voice controlled, which supports the Cadillac philosophy of "eyes on the road, hands on the wheel." Drivers can interface with the system’s many features, including:

• E-mail capability – Have your e-mail read to you and download. The system provides the link to the Internet, allowing downloading of text files. This particular feature will be test-marketed in several areas of the country to gauge customer interest.

• Cell phone integration unit – Docks a portable cell phone and allows cell phone control via voice recognition or front panel keypad.

• Infrared port – This function allows handheld devices such as personal data assistants to exchange information with the system.

• CD/CD-ROM drive – Plays music CDs, reads CD-ROM databases such as maps and allows software upgrades.

• Voice memo recorder – Voice messages may be recorded, stored and played back at a later time.

• Voice recognition – Occupants can activate and control the system through voice command.

• Navigation – Drivers can select a destination and have turn-by-turn directions read to them, as well as see a color map of the display.

Importantly, except for displaying station information in radio mode or navigation turn-by-turn information, the screen menus for e-mail and browser capability are disabled unless the vehicle is stopped – a built-in safety feature to help minimize the time drivers’ eyes are off the road and their hands off the wheel.

"We know drivers are multi-tasking while driving right now," O’Malley said. "The integration of our infotainment radio means it can multi-task so you don’t have to."

Cadillac drivers will also be able to stay connected in another way – through a new service from OnStar called Virtual Advisor.

In 1997, Cadillac became the first vehicle in the world to offer the myriad safety and security benefits of OnStar, the clearly recognized leader in telematics. In 2000, Cadillac made OnStar standard in each of its models. In 2001, OnStar will offer several new services, one of which, Virtual Advisor, will provide customers with access to personalized Internet data such as news headlines, sports scores, stock quotes and e-mail in a hands-free fashion through the OnStar interface. This new service of OnStar will be available on a wide variety of General Motors products in the’01 model year.

GM is building a broad portfolio of in-vehicle communication and information products for its customers. These products are being developed with an e-vehicle team in e-GM. They address the growing customer need to stay connected to the office, home and the world while on the road.

   - Autoworld.com

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