Catera Sedan Sports Exterior & Interior Freshening For 2000

Sporting a freshened appearance inside and out and several new safety features, the 2000 Cadillac Catera is poised to become a more compelling player in the hotly contested entry-luxury segment.

Since its introduction three years ago, the German-bred, American-luxury-appointed Catera has become the No.1 conquest vehicle within General Motors. In a fourth quarter 1998 study, 45 percent of Catera buyers were non-GM owners, representing an increase of 10 percentage points over 1997.

Overall, the 2000 Catera’s new look remains decidedly European in style, but the exterior lines are crisper and the curves are more tailored to flatter the body.

From front to rear, the Catera features a new front fascia, headlights and redesigned hood that artfully contours around a smaller, matte-black, chrome grille. The redesigned front cowl keeps new wet-arm windshield wipers and washer nozzles discretely hidden from view.

The body has been fitted with revised quarter panels, outside rearview mirrors, cornering lights and fog lights. The rear appearance has been completely reworked with a new fascia, separate left and right LED taillights, center brake light, revised Catera badges and a signature wreath and crest emblem.

The Catera Sport has several updates for the 2000 model year, including larger 17-inch aluminum wheels mated to Goodyear Eagle H-rated all-season tires, high-intensity discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, matte-silver chrome grille and brushed-silver interior trim.

Several significant changes have been made to the Catera’s interior to complement its tailored exterior. Front seat occupants will immediately notice the new shape and richer grain on the instrument panel and steering wheel. The redesigned center console is equipped with an additional auxiliary power outlet, and new center stack for the entertainment system and climate controls. The center armrest has also been redesigned and holds two integrated cupholders.

Other changes intended to increase comfort and convenience include new door trim panels with integrated door handles, power window switches and clever latch-type storage bins fore and aft. Side-impact air bags are standard on every 2000 Catera. New cupholders and integrated upper child seat tethers have been added to the rear passenger compartment. Optional heated seats include a new three-position rheostat control for wider comfort range.

Functionally, the 2000 Catera features an improved up-level Bose^® entertainment system, new oil-to-air transmission oil cooler, revised rear damper design, improved power brake booster and recalibrated steering gear system.

The 2000 Catera adds the convenience, safety and security of a new three-button OnStar system as standard equipment, replacing OnStar’s first generation system, a programmable cellular telephone offered as an option on the previous Catera.

For Cadillac division, Catera keeps pace with its luxury import brethren by successfully attracting buyers eight to 10 years younger in age than typical Cadillac buyers, and achieving close to a 50 percent male-to-female split.

No car segment in North America is growing quite as quickly as that of entry-luxury. According to R.L. Polk registrations, the segment grew more than 55,000 units in the ’97 calendar year and increased 33,000 units in calendar year 1998.

Exterior

Catera’s unibody-constructed, five-passenger, four-door body receives a number of changes for the 2000 model year. Starting at the front, the changes include a new front fascia and headlights, five-mph rated bumpers and a redesigned hood with a smaller, matte-black, chrome grille. The redesigned front cowl keeps new wet-arm windshield wipers and washer nozzles discretely hidden from view. The overall body length measures 192.2 inches, representing a 1.8-inch reduction from 1999.

The body also has been outfitted in all-new quarter panels, outside rearview mirrors, 16-inch aluminum wheels, cornering lights and fog lights. The redesigned exterior also includes a new rear fascia with separate left and right LED taillights, a new center brake light, revised badge and signature wreath-and-crest emblem.

First introduced in May 1999 as the flagship model within the lineup, Catera Sport will continue to offer appearance and performance features not found on the standard Catera. The more aggressively styled rocker moldings and decklid spoiler are unchanged. However, sport-sedan enthusiasts will applaud the addition of larger 17-inch aluminum wheels mated to Goodyear Eagle Mud and Snow P235/45R17 H-rated tires, high-density (HID) Xenon headlights and matte-silver chrome grille.

Cadillac offers a total of eight exterior colors in the Catera palette: Ebony, Ivory, Sage, Sand, Cranberry, Platinum, Sapphire and Rainforest. Sapphire replaces Sky Blue and Rainforest replaces Forest Green for the 2000 model year.

The Sport is available again in three colors — Ebony, Ivory and Platinum.

Interior

Several significant changes have been made to the standard Catera’s interior to complement its tailored exterior. Designed to be efficient and functional, yet sumptuous and roomy, the Catera boasts more interior volume than several of its competitors, including the BMW 328i, Lexus ES300 and Volvo S70 GLT. Catera’s large, flat trunk has a low lift-over height and measures 14.5 cubic feet.

Slipping inside the 2000 Catera, front seat occupants will immediately notice the new shape and richer grain on the instrument panel and steering wheel. The redesigned center console is equipped with an additional auxiliary power outlet and new center stack for the entertainment system and climate controls. The center armrest has also been redesigned and holds two integrated cupholders.

Other changes intended to increase comfort and convenience include new door trim panels with integrated door handles, power window switches and clever latch-type storage bins fore and aft. Side-impact air bags are standard on every 2000 Catera. New cupholders and integrated upper child seat tethers have been added to the rear passenger compartment. Optional heated seats include a new three-position rheostat control for wider comfort range.

The Sport is outfitted in specially contoured sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a power height adjuster and manual lumbar and thigh adjusters. Heated seats, a theft deterrent system and a universal three-channel programmable garage door opener are also Sport standards. Interior changes for 2000 include new brushed-silver interior trim around the instrument panel, ashtray cover, shifter console and door.

All 2000 Cateras feature front buckets and a rear bench seat with leather seating surfaces. The three-way, split-folding rear seat permits trunk access from either side or through the folding rear armrest in the center panel. An eight-way power driver seat with memory is also standard.

Catera continues to offer a full complement of white-on-black analog gauges, including speedometer, tachometer, temperature, oil pressure, voltage and fuel.

The automatic climate control system includes separate temperature controls for driver and passenger and an air recirculation setting. Incoming air passes through a new charcoal-covered pollen filter for improved air quality.

The 2000 Catera windows feature the convenience of express power up and down at all four outboard seat positions.

Bose^® Entertainment System

The changes to the interior led to a minor modification to the optional Bose^® entertainment system with 12-disc truck-mounted CD player for improved equalization.

This premium system features eight acoustically located speakers with two sub-woofers in the rear package shelf for rich, full-sounding music reproduction. The system provides a National Weather Service channel for immediate weather updates. In addition, radio data system (RDS) technology permits scanning for a particular style of music, listening to traffic and stock reports as well as receiving information such as radio station call letters and format, song titles and artists’ names.

Catera is equipped with a standard AM stereo/FM stereo cassette audio system and eight speakers.

Lighting

Standard convenience lighting features include illuminated entry, time-delay interior lighting, illuminated vanity mirrors and glove box, adjustable map lights and rear reading lights.

Cadillac offers three interior leather colors in the Catera palette: Neutral, Charcoal and Stone. Neutral replaces Shale on the standard Catera. Charcoal replaces Ebony as the sole Sport interior color.

Powertrain

Engine

Every 2000 Catera is powered by a 3.0-liter, dual-overhead camshaft V6 engine. The engine produces 200 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 192 lb.-ft. of torque at 3400 rpm to the rear-wheel-propelled drivetrain.

The iron-block, aluminum-head engine is equipped with an efficient and reliable high-energy ignition system. A multi-ram induction system delivers a smooth, consistent flow of air to the intake valves, while sodium powder-filled exhaust valves dissipate heat from the combustion chamber. The combination of more efficient airflow and denser air-fuel mixtures means power on demand across the rpm band. A dual, stainless steel exhaust system also contributes to engine breathing efficiency.

A two-piece propeller shaft connects the powertrain to the rear differential. This balanced design is engineered for improved smoothness.

The induction system and valvetrain assembly enable the Catera powertrain to provide a balance of low-speed efficiency, spirited performance, fuel efficiency and a low-emissions vehicle (LEV) classification.

Although the new LEV standards do not take full effect until the 2001 model year, Catera has been compliant since 1999. At that time, several changes were made to the 3.0-liter engine. They included new powertrain control computers, the addition of electronic throttle control and broad-range heated exhaust oxygen sensors, new multi-layer steel cylinder head gaskets, 3.5-mm top-land pistons, a coil-at-plug ignition system, a revised camshaft profile and 160K torque converter. A new fuel tank and improved vapor recovery system were also added.

The electronic throttle control and torque converter first introduced in the 1999 model year have the added benefit of significantly improving off-the-line launch feel.

Transmission

An electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is designed to deliver smooth off-the-line acceleration, quiet cruising and on-demand passing power. The driver can select between three modes of shift operation: normal, sport and winter. The normal setting is for everyday driving. The sport setting makes for more aggressive shifts and adds more engine braking. The winter mode offers third-gear starts in slippery conditions.

All 2000 Cateras are equipped with a new, stand-alone oil-to-air transmission oil cooler for improved engine cooling and air conditioning efficiency.

Chassis

Suspension

The four-wheel independent suspension includes front and rear coil springs with MacPherson struts and advanced hydraulic control arm bushings. The multi-link trailing arm design of the rear suspension is tuned for secure, predictable handling. The rear suspension also features automatic load leveling for improved stability and full suspension travel under varying load conditions.

The damper valving of Catera’s fixed-calibration, gas-pressurized struts has been revised to deliver more body and wheel control without sacrificing ride quality.

Brakes

In keeping with its German sport-sedan pedigree, all Cateras are equipped with dual-circuit, four-wheel disc brakes and a Bosch-designed ABS/ASR 5.3 anti-lock and traction control system. The traction control system keeps the engine from overpowering the tires on wet and slippery road surfaces and provides brake control for the two rear wheels. Then, when necessary, the system transfers drive torque to the wheel with the most traction.

A calibration change to the power brake booster is designed to deliver a more confident brake-pedal feel.

Steering

Catera’s speed-sensitive steering gear calibration is designed to handle low-speed driving and parking maneuvers as well as spirited driving and highway cruising.

Wheels and Tires

The 2000 Catera wears new five-spoke, 16-inch aluminum wheels mated to Goodyear Eagle RS P225/55R16 H-rated tires. Catera Sport is equipped with new five-spoke, 17-inch aluminum wheels and P235/45R17 H-rated Goodyear Mud and Snow rubber.

Safety And Security

Three-Button OnStar

The Catera is equipped with an outstanding array of safety and security features designed to help the driver keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

A new three-button OnStar system is standard equipment on the 2000 Catera. Mounted near the rearview mirror assembly, the three-button OnStar is a 24 hour-a-day, 365 days-a-year comprehensive mobile communications system that brings together sophisticated global positioning system (GPS) satellite technology, Cadillac’s advanced on-board electronics, the cellular telephone network and the OnStar Center adviser network.

OnStar’s combination of safety, security and convenience services includes route support, remote door unlock, theft detection notification, stolen vehicle tracking, emergency services, OnStar MED-NET, AccidentAssist, and remote diagnostics. From a database of more than five million listings, OnStar advisers can also provide a wide range of convenience services, such as providing the driver the location of the nearest automatic teller machine (ATM), making hotel and restaurant reservations, or ordering flowers. Should any air bag deploy, the OnStar system automatically notifies the OnStar Center so emergency services can be dispatched to the scene if necessary.

Front and Side Air Bags
The 2000 Catera is equipped with driver and passenger front air bags and new side-impact air bags for front seat passengers. The new side-impact air bag deploys from the outer edge of the front seat bolster. The driver front air bag is located in the steering wheel center hub. The passenger front air bag deploys from the instrument panel. In the event of an air bag deployment, the interior lights will illuminate and the doors are automatically unlocked after 15 seconds.

All five occupants wear three-point safety belts — the four outboard seat positions feature a five-position height adjustment for maximum fit and comfort. Catera’s front seats feature safety belt pretensioners and web locks. In the event of a collision, they are activated by the air bag sensor system to tighten both lap and shoulder belts and keep occupants firmly in position.

For improved child safety seat installation, all 2000 Cateras feature new upper rear child seat tethers. In addition, all passenger safety seats are equipped with a cinching function and web lock to secure safety seats in place.

All four outboard seating positions include an extended-height head restraint that is taller than conventional pillow-type designs for head and neck protection.

Safety, Security Features

Catera’s body structure and safety cage are specifically engineered to absorb and distribute impact energy in a collision. In the event of a severe collision, the front and rear sections deform in a controlled manner to absorb the impact and dissipate force. Dual steel bar reinforcements are located inside each occupant door.

Standard security features include remote keyless entry, programmable door locks, coded key theft-deterrent system and perimeter lighting. The latter is designed to create a more secure environment around the vehicle by keeping the low-beam headlights and parking lights lit for 20 seconds after it is unlocked with the remote keyless entry fob. If desired, an authorized Catera dealer can disable the perimeter lighting feature.

Should the key be inadvertently left in the ignition, a lockout feature prevents the doors from locking via the power lock switch or remote keyless entry fob.

The four standard express power windows and the optional sunroof are equipped with a pinch-guard feature. When the system senses resistance to closure (like fingers), glass travel is immediately reversed.

Precipitation can quickly translate into reduced visibility for any driver. For added safety and convenience, the Catera’s headlights are automatically activated when the windshield wipers are on at least 20 seconds. The standard Twilight Sentinel system automatically turns on the exterior lights to full intensity in low-light conditions.

Ownership And Warranty

All 2000 Cadillacs are backed by a four-year/50,000-mile (whichever comes first) bumper-to-bumper limited warranty with courtesy transportation for all warranty repairs and no deductible. The warranty also includes defects in the material and workmanship of tires. Additional coverage includes a six-year/100,000-mile (whichever comes first) rust-through protection.

Cadillac 24-hour roadside assistance is available to Cadillac owners toll-free by dialing 1-800-882-1112. Cadillac-trained service technicians are dispatched to handle minor repairs and assist with flat tires, lockouts, jump starts, fuel deliveries and other roadside emergencies. If the repair cannot be completed on the spot, the technician can arrange to have the vehicle transported to a dealership and customers driven to their home or other local destination. Roadside assistance is provided at no charge for any warranty repair and at a nominal charge if the vehicle is not under warranty.

A round-the-clock Cadillac customer assistance center is available toll-free at 1-800-458-8006. Customers can also contact the center through Cadillac’s World Wide Web site.