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| 2001-09-11 | ||
September 2001
Frankfurt. Cadillac continues to extend the frontiers of style and technology -- and the luxury car maker has again chosen Europe for the world premiere of its latest creation, the Cadillac CTS. Alongside the ground-breaking, completely new CTS, Cadillac will also grace the Frankfurt International Auto Show with the new model year Seville that incorporates a voice-activated navigation system, and a second European chance to see the "tomorrow's world," Vizón concept car. Cadillac CTS When it arrives in Europe in the spring of 2002, the Cadillac CTS will bring with it the bold styling that sets the Cadillac brand of the new century apart from the rest of the crowd. Its chiselled body is lean, with sheer forms, sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines, coupled with a short front overhang. The final product is a diamond-like quality with a clean, simple uncluttered presentation. In that way, CTS classically reflects the Cadillac design philosophy first showcased on the Evoq concept car. CTS is the first model to be based on General Motors' new rear wheel drive Sigma architecture with a high level of technological integration that brings excellent dynamic performance. The car's durable chassis and fully independent suspension has been rigorously tested in Germany at the Nürburgring racing circuit to ensure precise ride and handling. The CTS is the first Cadillac for more than two decades to include a manual transmission option. Drivers of the manual transmission will experience 0-100 kph in just 7,4 seconds, from the 160 kW/218 hp 3.2 V6 power pack. This engine offers a maximum torque of 300 Nm at 3400 rpm. Top speed with the manual gearbox is 238 kph. European customers will also have the option of a 136 kW/185 hp 2.6 liter V6 with maximum torque of 245 Nm at 3400 rpm. Top speed of the 2.6 liter V6 engine is 223 km/h with the manual transmission. CTS is the first GM model to be fitted with the 5L40 E Hydra-Matic five-speed electronic gearbox. This light and compact box, which is manufactured in Strasbourg, France, has engine braking in all five gears, giving the automatic model the same sporty feel as downshifting in the manual version. Inside, CTS offers Cadillac's accepted level of contemporary luxury with power seats, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel controls for the audio system, powered and heated folding mirrors and a driver information center with multi-language capability. It makes use of warm, rich, inviting materials and colours, using wood in areas where the customer will be in direct contact, such as on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and door pulls. Cost will be announced nearer the launch date. Seville STS For the new model year, the Cadillac Seville will be offered as of February next year with an advanced voice-activated vehicle navigation systems. Using DVD technology, the system provides more detailed coverage and convenience than the CD-based system it replaces. Detailed maps are displayed on a bigger 165x127mm touch-screen, while voice recognition compliments Cadillac's "eyes on the road, hands on the wheel" philosophy. A single DVD that loads into the front console covers all European countries and expands map coverage to include Southern Sweden and parts of Spain. In the voice recognition mode (initially in English) up to 200 commands can be programmed and the GPS-based system can also recall 60 pre-programmed destinations. A new six-disc CD changer, also located in the console, means that the unprecedented sound quality of the Bose sound system remains available for occupants to enjoy music on CDs while the DVD system is in operation. Passengers can also watch DVD movies when the vehicle is in Park. These ongoing enhancements to Cadillac's infotainment systems are contained inside the smooth lines of the instantly-recognisable body, covering the Northstar V8 engine. The dynamic and sporty STS (Seville Touring Sedan) provides 224 kW/305 hp at 6000rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 4400rpm. STS maximum speed is 240 kph, with 0-100 kph in 6.8 seconds. The performance from the powerful front-wheel drive car is linked to the StabiliTrak 2.0 stability control system, continuously variable road-sensing suspension, all-speed traction control, ABS and Magnasteer variable assist speed-sensitive steering. There is better handling performance and a smoother ride from new 17 inch tires and wheels on STS. "With the new generation of the Cadillac navigation system and the enhanced entertainment functions the Seville continues to offer advanced comfort features to the customer," said Özcan Keklik, Brand Manager North American Vehicles. "Precise, all-weather control and active safety are two of Seville's hallmarks, and improvements for 2002 strengthen these characteristics." Vizón Cadillac's latest concept car, the Vizón, is the adaptation of the best of a sports utility vehicle and estate car. It is clothed in the new sharp-edged style and powered by a 4.6 litre V8 Northstar engine. It is a surefooted vehicle whose handling is assured by all-wheel drive controlled by Cadillac's integrated StabiliTrak traction system and adjustable suspension to accommodate different road and load conditions. On the road an advanced cruise control system monitors traffic ahead and automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe following distance. When the road clears, Vizón resumes its set cruise speed. There is night vision on board, and small video cameras replace rear-view mirrors. Vizón uses EZ Key that identifies the owner through a key fob chip. When the system senses the driver within range it unlocks the car and sets the seating and mirrors to the driver's position. Fingerprint recognition is used to start the car. Vizón bears more than a passing family likeness with Evoq and Imaj. Like these previous Cadillac concepts, from luxury leather seating to an infotainment system with Bose speakers, a DVD player and built-in video screens. The driver's reconfigurable display area allows for tailoring the information that appears on the instrument panel and is specially inspired in Vizón by Bvlgari jewellers. Inside there are materials like polished and brushed metals, smooth grained leather, wood inserts and milled aluminum crafted to feel smooth and pleasing to the touch. Even Vizón's lighting is a blend of art and science. Xenon light projected through Fresno lenses creates a sharp, slender vertical look for head and tail lights -- a Cadillac signature. Cadillac Northstar LMP Racer Visitors to the Frankfurt Show will be able to get close to the Northstar LMP racer . The brand team fielded two cars in 2001, the second year of a three-year commitment to the French endurance classic. The argentinium and black LMP racers are an integral part of a Cadillac program to raise worldwide awareness of the brand across the world. This mission will be further enhanced with a totally new car scheduled for the 2002 racing season -- designed, engineered and manufactured at facilities in Brackley, UK, by the Design team headed by Nigel Stroud. As well as Le Mans 2001, where they were under the directorship of DAMS, Cadillac's European development team, the twin turbo machines have also had a comprehensive US racing program. The Northstar engine from Seville is the starting point for LMP's enormous reserves of high-torque power. The Northstar LMP makes full use of the huge 600+ hp (426+ kW) power output, compared to the 305 hp (224 kW) in the sedan. For the season now ending, the LMP engine was extensively reworked to include a 180 degree crankshaft. It was also 2.5 cm lower in the chassis, which contributed to improved handling. Other enhancements included the redesign or improvement of more than 100 additional items that were linked to the engine program that relied on new electronics for engine management. Modifications to improve chassis stiffness included the incorporation of a new bell housing and gearbox. This all helped to give the drivers more assertiveness in the corners, while an enhanced front and rear suspension and new power steering system also helped performance. In Le Mans the cars were fitted with an adaptation of the production Night Vision system that makes use of military thermal imaging technology to allow drivers to see as much as three to five times further than is possible with low-beam headlights. | ||
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