February 11, 2003
Cadillac and Chevrolet at the Geneva Motor Show
Fascinating Technology and Exciting Design from the USA
Cadillac Sixteen and XLR enjoy the trade fair limelight
Rüsselsheim. The 73rd Geneva Motor Show (March 6 – 16) will see Cadillac displaying its vision of the future with two European debuts; the Sixteen luxury sedan study and the XLR roadster/coupe illustrate the forward-looking orientation of the American luxury marque . Both vehicles combine state-of-the-art technology with unique design – a concept that also connects the Cadillac CTS and the "50th Anniversary" special edition Chevrolet Corvette.
The latter production models will also be on show at the stand shared by the two General Motors marques in Hall 1 of the Palexpo. After a successful market launch in the USA, the Cadillac CTS will be arriving at its first European buyers by this spring. The luxury sedan is available with a choice of two modern V6 gasoline engines with 2.6 and 3.2 liter capacities and 181 hp / 218 hp.
The Cadillac Sixteen, meanwhile, is in a totally different league when it comes to performance. Its 16 cylinders, 13.6-liter displacement and exactly 1000 hp make the concept vehicle a real pace-setter in automotive design. The prototype's dimensions alone make these ambitions clear. With a wheelbase of 3556 millimeters and a length of 5673 millimeters, the Cadillac Sixteen is a mighty automobile. A classic gull-wing hood, whose two halves are hinged along a center spine and are power-operated, ensures convenient access to the commanding V16 engine.
The hardtop of the Cadillac XLR can also be operated with a simple touch of a button – retracting fully automatically in under 30 seconds. Furthermore, the fascinating technology of the hood is matched by the wizardry under it. Measuring a compact 4.51 meters long, the XLR is powered by a an enhanced version of the famous Northstar V8. A 4.6-liter displacement and four overhead cams see the engine deliver exactly 315 hp. The transmission for the rear-wheel-drive vehicle comes in the shape of a modern five-speed automatic.
Further high-tech features include its keyless driver verification system with start button and the automatic "Adaptive Cruise Control" (ACC). The Cadillac XLR in fact goes on sale in the USA this summer – before deliveries to Europe follow next year.
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