Meet PAL, The Technology That Helps The Cadillac ATS Provide A More Spirited Driving Experience
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You already know that the Cadillac ATS was conceived as a thoroughbred sport luxury sedan. But what you may not know about are the various aspects of the compact Alpha-based Cadillac that contribute to the sport-tuned driving dynamics, such as PAL.
The acronym stands for Performance Algorithm Liftfoot — a technology that improves acceleration control and handling during bouts of spirited driving through the twisties. PAL recognizes when the driver pushes the vehicle while negotiating a curve, and automatically downshifts the gearbox to a lower gear to improve acceleration out of the corner. The technology, which is found in ATS models with the six-speed automatic transmission, is optimized for quick-shift timing. In effect, PAL minimizes unneeded shifting and allows the driver to focus on the road and enjoy the ride. Pretty cool, huh?
Things get even more interesting when the ATS is in the driver-selected “Sport” suspension mode and the driver takes curves with sufficient lateral force. That’s when the transmission computer calls for downshifts to ensure the right gear is readily available. In general, lower gears are helpful when it comes to braking into and maintaining control through the turn, as well as accelerating out of the corner.
So as the driver continues to subject the ATS to high-throttle driving and aggressive braking, the transmission will maintain lower gears to assist in acceleration and in preparing for the next corner. Yet during more moderate driving conditions (such as slower acceleration and less aggressive cornering), the gearbox will upshift sequentially through the gears, exiting PAL mode.
The GM Authority Take
PAL is certainly a driver’s pal (pun intended). But we’d still buy the ATS with the stick.
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Well done cadillac! Delivering innovative tech such as this, its the small steps like these that will make such an impact on cadillac vehicles dynamically allowing them to deliver a driving experience that a lux sports sedan should have helping them to build credibility as world class vehicles they’re earning that “standard of the world” title not just saying it. I believe their rise in the luxury segment will be similar to how audi has done..an they’re a major threat to BMW and Mercedes!
What a CAR!!!! I drove it and loved the steering feel….it is fun and comfortable to drive….I’ll be getting one
PAL has been around for a long time. I’m guessing Cadillac introduced it ten years or more ago.
My DTS has it and I personally don’t like it for my boulevard cruiser style of driving. I experience it when I hit resume on the cruise control and the 4T80 will hold the lower gear or unlock the torque converter for an additional 10 or 15 seconds.
I’m sure it works great for those coming from a manual or boy racers – but that’s just not me.