GM Introduces World's First Dual Depth Frontal Airbag

New Airbag Technology Keeps Front-Seat Passengers Safer

Today, during the first press day of the Chicago Auto Show, General Motors unveiled the industry's first passenger-side

General Motors unveiled the industry's first passenger-side frontal airbag that has the ability to deploy in two different sizes and at different pressures. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

frontal airbag that has the ability to deploy in two different sizes and at different pressures, depending on front passenger seat position, safety belt usage and the severity of the crash.

GM's innovative dual depth airbag technology will be part of the all-new 2006 Buick Lucerne and 2006 Cadillac DTS, which were both introduced at the same event. The dual depth airbag is one of six airbags that make up a critical element to the two vehicles' standard passive safety systems.

So how does it work? The dual depth airbag has the potential to restrain

GM's innovative dual depth airbag technology will be part of the all-new 2006 Buick Lucerne and 2006 Cadillac DTS. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

front-seat passengers in a greater variety of seating and crash situations, at least when compared to a conventional dual-stage airbag which may inflate to a variety of different pressures, but only to one single shape.

"We cannot control where our customers will sit in our vehicles or every crash scenario they could encounter," stated Robert C. Lange, GM executive director, Structure and Safety Integration. "The dual depth airbag helps us tailor front passenger restraint based on the location of the passenger seat and the force of the crash."