For most of us, leap year is a day just like any other. So why do we go through all the trouble to have a leap year? Check out this video to learn all of the cool facts about this unique day.

Unexpected pleasures are the best part of life. Why not drive one every day?

Cadillac XTS Lighting Reflects Luxury and Inspiration

Innovative signature lighting adds elements of drama and security

DETROIT – New techniques in lighting design are adding to the dramatic presence of luxury cars, while also providing real-world functional benefits. The all-new 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan contains more than 20 separate light sources that “greet” the driver in a carefully choreographed sequence when the key fob is pressed.

The new XTS, launching in the second quarter, includes LEDs embedded in the door handles, Cadillac-signature vertical LEDs in the headlights and taillights and ambient lighting in and around the car’s perimeter. In addition to extending the car’s design signature, the lighting provides convenience and helps provide additional security to drivers in parking lots at night.

Cadillac designers took advantage of consistent advances in LED technology to use lighting to convey drama and space alongside functional benefits.

“The new LED offerings now provide a new palette of color to bring more dramatic lighting effects that have never been available before,” said Christos Roustemis, Cadillac interior designer.

On the inside, cooler blue lights accent the car’s controls and instrumentation while warmer lights highlight passenger areas.

“We sketched each phase of the process to carefully choreograph how every important area inside and outside of the vehicle would come up and fade back down, similar to a production crew lighting a theater stage,” Roustemis said.

The palette of colors also needed to harmonize with the interior colors as well as   light emanating from the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) main LCD screen and instrument panel. The task was to make the ambient lighting enhance the experience and minimize distraction.

Creation of dramatic effects and pleasing spaces has long been a trademark of lighting design, said Rosemarie Allaire, a California-based architectural lighting designer. She says advances in LED lighting have opened the way to new possibilities in lighting design.

“In cars, just as in architecture, lighting defines how we feel about a space. It is both artistry and user experience,” Allaire said. “For me, the beauty is in the blends, how you layer the affects, mix the light sources, and how you package it into the final product.”

The XTS lighting choreography is timed to the fraction of a second by the car’s central control system, and is cued by various triggers, such as the key fob, the doors and ignition switch. The car’s exterior lighting brightens the perimeter of the car to provide an added level of security and make the car easier to locate.

Cadillac first used a vertical lighting signature as an exterior design theme in 1948. In Cadillac’s Art & Science design language that has defined Cadillac for the last dozen years, designers use thin, vertical LED “light pipes” in both the front and rear corners of the car. 

 

Courtesy of GM Media.

Celebrate Leap Day with extraordinary savings! Be sure to come see us before the month is over; this offer ends soon.

From small dents to major repairs, Harmon's Auto Center is here for you.

Schedule an appointment with our body shop today!

2013 Acadia and 2013 Acadia Denali Reveal | Chicago Auto Show 2012

Here's a look at the new 2013 Acadia and 2013 Acadia Denali from the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

 

Did you know that the cooling system on a car driving down the freeway dissipates enough heat to heat two average-sized houses?!

Get yours inspected today at a great price with this service coupon.

Buick Encore Packs Big Storage in Small Footprint

Dual glove boxes and fold-flat front seat among versatile crossover’s features

DETROIT – When the Buick Encore small luxury crossover goes on sale in early 2013, it will define a new market segment in the United States. But small doesn’t mean cramped when it comes to storage.

“Regardless of a vehicle’s size, Buick has a standard for what items must fit, from iPods and smartphones, to umbrellas and much larger items like handbags,” said chief engineer Jim Danahy. “With Encore, we used every space available, big or small, in a visually pleasing and useful way.”

Encore offers eight beverage holders, storage in all four doors, four different bins in the dash, pockets in the seatbacks, an available bin beneath the front passenger seat, and even bins under the rear load floor around the spare tire.

This holistic approach maximized traditional cargo space concerns and the ever-growing need to stow small gadgets. Deep pockets in each front door can hold a one-liter beverage, along with a book or tablet computer, plus a smaller item like an iPod or portable video game system like a 3DS.

Because valuable electronics are often left in vehicles, the Encore’s dashboard features multiple spaces that hide such items behind closed doors. A Bluetooth-connected smartphone can be stored in a small flip-down compartment to the left of the steering wheel, while larger items can be divided between individual upper and lower glove boxes.

Additional storage space for front passengers includes a cubby in front of the gear selector, which houses a 12-volt plug and USB jack. Moving rearward along the console, two cupholders sit ahead of a storage compartment with a retractable lid. 

Encore’s rear doors can hold half-liter bottles, while a fold-down rear armrest offers two cupholders and additional storage space.

Buick benchmarked the Encore’s rear cargo space against leading international competitors:

 

	Rear Seat in Place	Rear Seat Folded
Buick Encore	18.8 cu. ft. / 533 liters	48.4 cu. ft. / 1,372 liters
BMW X1	16.9 cu. ft. / 480 liters	47.4 cu. ft. / 1,350 liters
Audi Q3	16.2 cu. ft. / 460 liters	48.2 cu. ft. / 1,365 liters

 

With the rear seats in place, there’s space for six large grocery bags or the gear necessary for a quick overnight trip. For longer vacations and more luggage, either or both sides of the 60/40 folding rear seat can be lowered, and the front passenger seat folds flat to handle long boards for a home do-it-yourself project or bulky sports equipment like skis or a surfboard.

Encore also has plenty of room for people and compares favorably to some much larger competitors. Compared to the 2012 Acura RDX and Lexus RX350, respectively, Encore offers 1.2 and 2.0 more inches or rear passenger legroom. It also offers more front and rear headroom than either of those vehicles.

 

Courtesy of GM News.

GMC Presidents' Day Specials

Stop in during this extended weekend for monumental savings! Click here to see our specials.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Presidents’ Day Weekend is here! Did you know that General Motors has a 90-year history with the presidency? A Cadillac-based limo, code named Cadillac One, is the official state car used by the U.S. President. Additionally, President Woodrow Wilson rode in a Cadillac during a World War I victory parade in 1919 and President Calvin Coolidge used a 1928 Cadillac town car.

Cadillac’s Electric Self Starter Turns 100

Invention that ended ‘crankiness’ of early cars ushered in Cadillac innovation

DETROIT – With the turn of a key or push of a button, starting a car today is taken for granted. But a century ago, the electric starter that debuted in the 1912 Cadillac Touring Edition helped establish Cadillac’s reputation as a test bed of technology and innovation.

Before the electric starter, it took a hand crank, a lot of muscle, and a bit of hope to start driving.

“Hand cranking was the No. 1 injury risk in those early days of the automobile,” said Greg Wallace, director of the General Motors Heritage Center, referring to the kickback on a crank handle that could break an arm, or worse.

As cars grew larger and purposeful, so did the engines and effort required to start them. It was so difficult, in fact, that it gave rise to the term “cranky,” which often described someone’s mood after struggling to start a car.

Cadillac founder Henry M. Leland, who had already pioneered electric lights and electric ignition on his cars, worked closely with Charles F. Kettering, the inventor of the electric starter, to incorporate the device into his cars. The electric starter also was GM’s first electric motor – a core business today anticipating the growth in the electrification of the automobile.

“It was one of the most significant innovations in the history of the automobile,” Wallace said. “It was a complete game changer. Within a few years, Cadillac featured women in their advertising showing them as drivers, instead of passengers or bystanders.”

Before the electric starter, Leland was an expert machinist and precision manufacturer. A few years earlier, he devised component standardization and interchangeable parts. Soon after the electric starter, Cadillac would be the first to introduce the V-8 engine and the synchromesh transmission for easier gear shifting.

Cadillac was also the first car company to offer a fully enclosed car body as standard equipment.

“As a premium brand even in its earliest days, Cadillac positioned itself as a technology and innovation leader as a way to set it apart from the dozens of other auto companies,” Wallace said.

Among the more visible Cadillac innovations beginning in the 1920s were designer bodywork and color lacquer paint. Later, Cadillac would innovate design with sleek, curvaceous body styles and jet-inspired tail fins.

Cadillac introduced the first automatic climate control and heated seats. Twilight Sentinel automatically turned on and off headlamps, and the first tilt-telescoping steering wheel helped drivers feel more comfortable behind the wheel. All were Cadillac firsts.

In more recent years, Cadillac was the platform for many high-tech innovations. It pioneered the air-cushion restraint system 1974 – a precursor to modern air bag systems. In 1996, Cadillac vehicles were the first to include OnStar, the leading on-board security, communication and diagnostic system.

In 1999, Cadillac introduced the first automotive night vision system. Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension technology, was introduced by Cadillac in 2002. Today Magnetic Ride Control is a crucial element in the performance of Cadillac’s CTS-V and Escalade models, as well as the upcoming XTS and ATS sedans. It’s been adopted by a few other automakers on a handful of elite sports cars.

Cadillac expands significantly in 2012, with new advanced technology elements CUE, a new user experience for in-car connectivity that will be a signature feature of the 2013 XTS and ATS. CUE recently received a Popular Mechanic’s Editors’ Choice Award at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Courtesy of GM News.

Harmon's Car Tips

Hey fans, here’s a quick car tip from Harmon's: Tighten up that gas cap. Gas will evaporate from your car’s tank if it has an escape. Loose, missing or damaged caps cause up to 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year!

Order GM Accessories

Customize your new car just how you want with Harmon's online accessories site. Click below to get started!

GMC IntelliLink Helps Drivers Get Connected

New system now available in Terrain uses patent-pending technology

DETROIT – The 2012 GMC Terrain smaller SUV’s standard Color Touch Radio is now available with IntelliLink, which provides smartphone connectivity and voice activated control of the audio system.  Simple commands initiate a phone call, change a station, stream internet radio, and even control an iPod.

IntelliLink’s interface is designed to be used with two hands on the wheel as often as possible, and its layout was created with specific emphasis on minimizing distractions. Here are some other important things to know about the system:

• Like most smartphones, the IntelliLink homescreen is configurable. An array of icons for phone, radio, and other functions mimics the displays of popular mobile devices, and each icon can be shifted or removed, based on the driver’s needs and wants.
• IntelliLink has icons for popular internet radio providers Pandora and Stitcher for Bluetooth streaming through a SmartPhone, Pandora listeners can give a song a “thumbs-up” or “thumbs-down” through Terrain’s seven-inch touchscreen.
• Most of IntelliLink’s features can be controlled through a hands-free voice control system powered by Nuance. Drivers can place a phone call, play an artist, or tune to a radio station without their eyes leaving the road.
• An MP3 player isn’t required to play music through Intellilink. Owners can bring their music collections into the car by plugging a USB flash drive into a port in the center console.
• Album art and artist information for songs playing from a device are displayed on Terrain’s color touch screen. The Gracenote data that allows this also makes voice activation more conversational, identifying nicknames like “The Boss” or “The Stones.”

GMC’s implementation of the Gracenote media database includes a piece of exclusive, patent-pending technology, according to General Motors lead engineer Tony Kraatz.

“Gracenote is typically limited to devices plugged in to the USB port,” he said. “With IntelliLink, we are the first company to run Bluetooth streaming audio through the Gracenote database to display album art for music players connected wirelessly.”

“About 70 percent of all new car buyers want some form of connectivity,” said Micky Bly, executive director leading GM’s infotainment engineering efforts, citing GM research. “Whether it’s because they want to listen to their favorite music or hear movie times on the way to the theater, today’s car buyer expects so much more out of their time in a car.”

The GMC Terrain talks with smartphones in other ways than just IntelliLink. With the OnStar RemoteLink app available for iPhone and Android, drivers can use their phones to lock and unlock doors or check fuel and tire pressure levels. On models equipped with remote start, the app can also start the engine from anywhere a cell phone signal is present.

IntelliLink is available now for the 2012 GMC Terrain SLT-2 V-6 and is coming soon to all SLT models. Last week, GMC debuted IntelliLink connectivity for the redesigned 2013 Acadia and Acadia Denali, on sale in late 2012.

 

Courtesy of GM News.

30-Day Price Match Guarantee

Your car never “tires” of your love. Bring it in to Harmon's this Valentine’s Day for new tires and buy with confidence with our price guarantee.

Cadillac ATS ‘Green Hell’ commercial is most-viewed ad in U.S. history

The previous record for the largest audience viewing a single commercial was General Motors’ ‘Miss Evelyn,’ a spot for the Chevrolet Camaro in Super Bowl XLV last year. This year, GM once again took the title with Cadillacs 30-second preview of the upcoming 2013 ATS sport sedan  during Super Bowl XLVI.

The commercial, titled ‘Green Hell,’ was the most-viewed single advertising spot in U.S. television history, according to a study released Tuesday.

”We have a big message this year – Cadillac is expanding with new models challenging the world’s best luxury cars. This stunning viewership data proves that Cadillac’s big message reached the largest audience,” said General Motors Global Chief Marketing Officer Joel Ewanick. “When it comes to Super Bowl ads, everyone has opinions on their favorites. But it’s a fact that this Cadillac spot had the biggest audience during the game.”

“Kantar Media’s Super Bowl audience study found that the Cadillac spot reached an audience rating of 43.5, highest among all advertising spots shown during the NBC-TV telecast,” GM said in statement.

Refresher: The 2013 Cadillac ATS sedan will go on sale later this year and will come with a choice of three engine units. The based model will carry a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine making 270-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A 2.5 liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder will also be available, making 200-hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line Cadillac ATS will be powered by a 3.6 liter V6 making 318-hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Prices will be announced closer to launch.

 

Courtesy of egmCarTech.

Buick’s Ten Most Collectible Cars from Past and Present

Hagerty Insurance “Hot List” pick Buick Regal GS meets nine historic gems

DETROIT – The choice of the Buick Regal GS to endure the test of time and become an automotive classic places the new sport sedan in the company of bygone Buick classics.

Hagerty Insurance, the classic car insurance firm, placed the Regal GS on its “2012 Hot List” for mass-market vehicles with a suggested retail price below $100,000. The company thinks the Regal GS will be a future collectible.

In particular, Hagerty applauded Buick’s decision to offer a performance sedan with a manual transmission, noting that “at a time when allegedly more sporting makes don't offer real three-pedal manual transmissions, Buick is doing it with the Regal GS.”

“The Regal GS is a unique and thrilling vehicle for the Buick brand,” said General Motors North America President Mark Reuss. “As someone who drove a classic Skylark to prom and owned other incredible Buicks like an '87 GNX, I can say it deserves to be viewed among the best Buick has built.”

As a projected future classic, the Regal GS will join memorable Buicks that have proved their collectability. Following the announcement of the 2012 Hot List, Hagerty experts collaborated with Buick to list the Top 10 most-collectible Buicks, some of which hold values of well over $100,000:

• 2012 Buick Regal GS
• 1932 Model 90 sport phaeton
• 1937 66C Century convertible coupe
• 1940 Super Model 59 Woody Estate Wagon
• 1947 Roadmaster Woody Wagon
• 1949 Roadmaster Convertible
• 1953 Skylark
• 1963 Riviera
• 1970 GSX Stage 1 Hardtop Coupe
• 1987 GNX

”In order to be included on the annual Hagerty Hot List, the vehicle must be geared toward the driving enthusiast beyond just being a form of transportation,” said Hagerty.” Like the other Buick classics listed here, the 2012 Regal GS will be remembered more than most of its peers for many years down the road.”

 

Courtesy of GM Media.

New Vehicle Specials

Harmon's puts cash back in your wallet with these amazing new vehicle specials.

Buick Human Highlight Reel | Mick Ebeling

Have you been following Buick’s Human Highlight Reel? Check out the newest video to hear former U.S. Air Force Academy basketball player Mick Ebeling’s inspirational story.

Harmon Buick GMC Cadillac eCoupon

We'd like to thank our loyal customers and fans with this service special. Stop in this month to use it!