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2001-09-11 

 

September 2001

Frankfurt International Motor Show 2001

Cadillac Seville STS – The Ultimate in Design and Engineering Excellence

  • Northstar V8 engine with 305 hp
  • Top speed 240 km/h
  • Low emissions and fuel economy
  • Precise all-weather control
  • New: DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition
  • Powered luxury leather interior
  • Bose sound system

Frankfurt. The Seville STS is the ultimate luxury car that effortlessly transports Cadillac sophistication and style from the Interstates of the US to the busy and demanding roads of Europe. The sporty and dynamic Seville STS (Seville Touring Sedan) is the fifth generation of the famous Cadillac model, and brings with it the highest level of standard luxury items.

The Seville features the well-known Northstar 4.6 liter V8 engine, providing 224 kW/305 hp at 6000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. Maximum speed is 240 km/h. Northstar has a unique limp-home capability which allows the car to run on four cylinders at speeds of up to 80 km/h to a safe location – even in case of total coolant loss.

The stunning performance from the powerful front wheel drive production car is linked to the StabiliTrak 2.0 stability control system, continuously variable road-sensing suspension (CVRSS), all-speed traction control, ABS and Magnasteer variable assist speed-sensitive steering.

Seats molded to driver form

Seville's driver and passengers are cosseted in soft leather luxury with dozens of comfort movements electrically powered. Seats are programmed for perfect comfort and support by means of an array of sensors and tiny motors buried deep inside. The rear view mirrors and radio can be individually pre-programmed. Driving information is displayed digitally on the stylish dark glass fascia panel. Controls are ergonomically placed for safe and easy operation. Audio quality is as near to perfection as possible thanks to the fitting of the Bose 4.0 sound system.

The Cadillac Seville STS is being further upgraded for the 2002 model year. As of February 2002, for example, the luxury sedan will feature a DVD-based navigation system with voice recognition and a 165 x 127 mm touchscreen. A major plus is that a single DVD can cover the whole of Europe. Occupants can even watch DVD films while the car is parked. An additional 6-disc CD changer in the center console together with the top-class Bose sound system ensures concert hall-style listening pleasure, even when the navigation system is switched on. The voice recognition computer (initial version understands English only) features 60 pre-programmed commands, with storage space for a further 200.

In addition, new and larger 235/55 R 17 tires ensure even better handling and underline the dynamic and responsive character of the Seville. Further features of the new Seville edition are the updated Cadillac logo and the new color – "Onyx Blue."

The Northstar system – the heart of Cadillac

Cadillac's reputation and its sophisticated North American styling is likely to be the first reason why prospective owners move in for a closer look. But they are finally convinced by what is under the outer skin – the Northstar system.

Northstar is much more than Cadillac's widely acclaimed aluminum engine, which turns the car into a very strong front wheel drive car.

Northstar means:

  • a 4.6 liter dual overhead camshaft V8 engine,
  • StabiliTrak, the integrated stability control system,
  • continuously variable road sensing suspension (CVRSS),
  • performance algorithm shifting,
  • Magnasteer, the Seville-exclusive variable-assist speed sensitive power steering system.

The engine

The Northstar power pack is Cadillac's state-of-the-art aluminum 4.6-liter V8. The engine is tuned to produce 224kW/305 hp at 6000 rpm, with maximum torque of 400 Nm generated at just 4000 rpm. The Seville STS has a top speed of 240 km/h and makes the sprint from 0 to100 km/h in around 6.8 seconds.

For the 2002 Seville STS, fuel economy is reduced by 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers to reach a creditable 14.1 l/100 km. The use of secondary air recirculation on start-up and a very fine fuel-spray injection system certifies the Seville as EURO 3. CO2 emissions have been reduced to 335 g/km.

The engine is so reliable and refined that in normal operation its first tune-up – involving spark plugs for example – is scheduled for 160,000 kilometers. Sophisticated monitoring systems make use of 29 sensors across the power train and irregularities are instantaneously spotted and rectified.

Should the engine lose coolant, after a minor accident for example, Seville can limp home on four cylinders at speeds of 80 km/h, giving the driver the chance to reach a safe location. The engine accomplishes this by alternately delivering fuel to four of the eight cylinders. The remaining four do not fire, but continue to pump air that cools the engine.

StabiliTrak

The performance from powerful front wheel drive Seville is linked to the StabiliTrak 2.0 stability control system. The sensors measure steering angle and other inputs from the driver to determine what he or she wants from the car. If the car is not responding appropriately, a computer applies the correct individual front brake to help keep the car on the intended.

Continuous development of StabiliTrak has added active steering effort compensation, known by its initials of ASEC. In low-traction or emergency situations, the steering effort is temporarily raised as StabiliTrak commands the Magnasteer system to reduce the degree of power assistance.

CVRSS system

Further instant help in abnormal conditions is provided through Seville's continuously variable road-sensing suspension (CVRSS). This delivers optimum body and wheel damping under virtually all driving conditions by independently adjusting the damper settings at each corner of the car and responding in real time. The dampers vary from luxury sedan-smooth to racing car-firm in milliseconds.

For the driver and passengers this means markedly better rolling smoothness, road isolation and impact feel with exceptional control during a driving emergency.

Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS)

The Cadillac Seville also utilizes a Performance Algorithm Shifting program that lets the gearbox perform intuitively like a manual during aggressive driving. PAS monitors the driver's use of the gas pedal and cornering and braking maneuvers, also taking information from the car's many sensors like that provided in StabiliTrak. The result is a highly agile response that corresponds exactly to the driver's actions.

In hard cornering, for example, the "smart" transmission will hold its gear to avoid mid-corner upshifts that may upset the car's balance. As a driver brakes for a corner, the transmission changes down to the right gear for the cornering speed, just as a skilled driver would do with a manual box. It then holds the right gear through the acceleration out of the corner.

Magnasteer

The Seville's Magnasteer variable-assist, speed-sensitive power rack and pinion steering system uses a variable magnetic field to increase or decrease steering effort as needed. This allows for a wider range of adjustability, and there are no steps or irregularities in the boost curves. The Seville uses a straight 14.8:1 steering gear ratio rather than a variable ratio for the fastest response.

Magnasteer is also sensitive to lateral acceleration. When sensors determine the cornering rate is up, steering effort is automatically increased to enhance the driver's road feel.

Seville and safety are synonymous

The Cadillac Seville demonstrates the continuous quest by the world's largest car manufacturer for occupant and car safety, with active benefits flowing from the power train and integrated chassis systems.

The foundation for occupant safety is the rugged steel unibody that forms a safety cage around the passenger cabin and incorporates energy-absorbing front and rear sections.

The Seville's computer-crafted body structure and internal safety cage meet all worldwide impact standards for front, side, rear and offset crashes. The Cadillac already fulfills stringent front offset and side-impact European requirements for 2003.

Smart airbags that detect the presence of a front seat passenger or a child are an integral part of the Seville safety arsenal. Innovative sensor technology in the passenger seat and advanced computer programming automatically adjust the speed of deployment of the passenger airbag to compensate for the height and weight of the occupant. The "smart" system also detects when the seat is empty, or when it is fitted with a child seat. The sensors can distinguish between a small adult female whose weight may be similar to a large child restrained in a child safety seat. If the seat is occupied by a child the airbag will not activate.

Seville also features front seat side-impact air bags, while a power tilt and telescope steering wheel makes correct positioning easy.

Front safety belts are mounted to the seats so they are always positioned for optimum comfort and safety. A pretensioning system takes up the slack of the belts in an impact.

Parking is safe and easy with Seville's ultrasonic rear parking assist system, which uses four sensors located in the rear bumper to tell the driver of the proximity of objects behind the car. A series of chimes and lights that come into operation from around 1.5 meters "count down" the remaining distance. An initial single light and single chime tone move to three lit LEDs and a continuous tone as the critical distance is reached.

A further standard feature in the Seville range in Europe is the automatic Rain Sense Wiper System that activates the wipers in wet weather. It is small, efficient and extremely sensitive to raindrops on the screen through a sensor hidden behind the rear view mirror.

Safe braking

The Cadillac Seville is fitted with the Bosch 5.0 four-channel anti-lock braking system. Its road texture detection feature makes the brakes even more effective. Road texture detection means shorter, more consistent stopping distances on rough roads, reduces unnecessary ABS application and improves steering.

Exclusive luxury levels a class above

Ask drivers around the world to link the word "luxury" with a motor manufacturer – and there is a very good chance that the selected name would be Cadillac. Such is the deserved reputation of the marque that strives continuously to make its models ever more smooth, quiet, gentle and beautiful on the inside.

The Seville brings luxury to the European and world marketplace in considerable style. It is personified with the cabin's polished wood blended into metal, high-quality composites and leather trim with standard luxury leather seats providing a comforting welcome.

The Seville's fascia incorporate LED scales and pointers on analog indicators viewed behind a dark covering glass. The white figures are always clearly legible whatever the external lighting.

The car's interior features numerous storage areas designed for easy use. More than a dozen interior lights illuminate every part of the passenger cabin without glare. Torque-sensing express up driver and front passenger windows that operate simply at the touch of a button make life easier.

Noise inside Seville, even at speed, is minimal. Engineers have worked near miracles to provide a superbly quiet interior through the stiffness and rigidity of the body structure, which helps "lose" vibration from road and engine.

Navigation system

Making full use of Cadillac's new DVD-based Navigation System is another way of ensuring a safe and relaxed journey. The system incorporates a 165 x 127 mm touch screen , and provides the necessary journey planning information through visual and audio signals. European coverage by the optional system continues to grow. A major plus is that a single DVD can cover the whole of Europe. Northern Spain and southern Sweden have now been added as mapped regions, with total coverage also taking in the UK, Benelux, Germany, France, Austria and Switzerland. Occupants can even watch DVD films while the car is parked. A special highlight is the voice recognition computer, which features 60 pre-programmed English commands, with storage space for a further 200.

Bose 4.0 audio system

The work by Cadillac engineers to suppress noise allows the standard Bose 4.0 sound system to demonstrate its justified claim to be the best-ever developed for a production car.

Bose high fidelity technicians and Cadillac engineers collaborated to meticulously tailor the acoustics to the car's interior characteristics, enabling state-of-the-art speakers and electronic technologies to deliver musical sound as near to perfectly natural and lifelike as possible.

The eight speakers produce live concert level volumes without audible distortion utilizing the amplifier, rated at 425 watts average power output – though it can temporarily exceed 1000 watts. An additional 6-disc CD changer in the center console allows concert hall-style listening pleasure.

Distinct design for international tastes

The Cadillac Seville's design is distinctly North American, though at 4.99 meters in length it is also designed to appeal to the European (and Japanese) perception of premium car sizes.

Designers refer to Seville's overall balance between leanness and a muscular appearance as "controlled sculpting." This was seen as important not only in North America, where Seville has a large and loyal following, but also in overseas markets, where the car's distinctive look is widely appreciated.

Seville has powerful Xenon headlamps with an integral washer system. And it's easier to drive into the garage or car wash with new powered folding rear view mirrors. The trunk has 445 liters of storage space.



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