Category Archives: Escalade

Cadillac Decade: 2000-2009 Highlights

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As we wind down 2009, let’s review highlights for the last decade of Cadillac luxury and performance automobiles.  The decade had some very interesting Cadillacs.  The reference articles at the end of the post contain a more complete listing of year by year changes that address each model for that year.

I tried to pick out what I consider to be highlights for each year; you may have different favorites.  Please add your year:highlights in the comments below.

2000 Cadillac DeVille DTS

2000: Deville redesigned.  The new DeVille is a trimmer, nimbler execution of a spacious luxury sedan. It is 3 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the car it replaces, giving it a trimmer, more athletic appearance. But its wheelbase is actually 1.5 inches longer, and its interior space is virtually as roomy as the 1999 model. The 2000 DeVille is still classified as a large car by the EPA.The Northstar powerplant is redesigned to accept regular unleaded.

2001: Final year for Catera. STS gets HID option, Sport Package

2002: Escalade redesigned, Escalade EXT arrives. For 2002, Escalade expands its offerings with three distinct versions: all-wheel drive, two-wheel drive and a Middle East export version. The eight-passenger Escalade, based on GM’s 1500 Series SUV, debuts in 2001 as a 2002 model. The ’02 Escalade will be the first Cadillac to wear the updated wreath and crest emblem. The five passenger Escalade EXT, with reconfigurable Midgate™ debuts as an ’02 model. It enters at the forefront of the new sport utility truck segment.

MR suspension available late in the model year on STS. Escalade adds the ESV extended model.

2003 Cadillac CTS

2003: Cadillac CTS 1st Generation arrives.  The CTS is fashioned from Cadillac’s edgy, tailored new design vocabulary. Its lean, chiseled body features sheer forms, sharp edges and crisp intersecting lines that at once honor Cadillac’s storied past and point toward its bright future. Built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, the CTS features a new 3.2L V6 engine and was the first North American vehicle to be rigorously tested at the famed Nürburgring track in Germany.

Last year for front-wheel drive Seville SLS.

2004 Cadillac SRX

SRX arrives: SRX is the latest model to express Cadillac’s bold new design form vocabulary, and echoes the crisp, creased look of its concept vehicle predecessor, Vizón (2001). As the first of Cadillac’s S-series of models, SRX foreshadows and shares automotive DNA with future vehicles like the all-new 2005 STS sedan.

Available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) applications and based on GM’s acclaimed new Sigma architecture, SRX is designed to deliver superior driving dynamics.

“SRX is a true driver’s utility, an innovative entry in a crowded segment,” said Jay Spenchian, marketing director. “SRX is unlike any of the luxury utilities out there. It offers a great look, precise road manners and unprecedented utility.”

2004 Cadillac XLR

2004: Cadillac XLR arrives: Made in Bowling Green Kentuky on a new assembly line in the Corvette factory, the new XLR used a Corvette C6 suspension with a Cadillac Northstar rear-wheel drive engine making 320 hp.  The XLR features a Cadillac first, a hard-top convertible that automatically folds into the trunk.  The XLR lasts until 2010, when it is discontinued.

CTS gets 3.6L VVT V6.

2004 Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac CTS-V arrives: The CTS-V provides high-performance driving enthusiasts with a serious, credible alternative to imports in the highly competitive, low-volume luxury performance segment, including the BMW M-Series, Mercedes-Benz AMG Series and Audi S-Series. The V-Series has been designed to take Cadillac’s performance credentials to an entirely new level. With 400 horsepower (298 kw), CTS-V is the most powerful production model Cadillac has ever offered. Based on Cadillac’s performance-oriented rear-drive Sigma architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan designed for performance enthusiast drivers. Like the original CTS, CTS-V was refined and validated at Germany’s famed Nurburgring racetrack to meet the expectations of the world’s most avid driving enthusiasts.

2005: New rear-wheel drive STS arrives: Based on GM’s rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, which also is the foundation for the Cadillac CTS, CTS-V and SRX, the STS is designed to compete squarely with world-renowned prestige sedans in global markets.

2006: STS-V, XLR-V arrive:

2006 Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V

STS-V. The STS-V carries the craftsmanship and sophistication of its STS sibling, but at an entirely different level. Designed for everyday driving, the STS-V delivers supercharged, rear-drive performance with an elegant design statement that is unmistakably Cadillac.  Its 4.4L supercharged, dual overhead cam Northstar engine produces 469 horsepower (350 kw) at 6400 rpm and 430 lb.-ft. (583 Nm) of torque at 3600 rpm (power and torque figures estimated). Numerous interior and exterior design changes brand it as one of the V-Series performance models.

XLR-V. The 2006 Cadillac XLR-V ultra-luxury, high-performance roadster sets new standards in power, performance and personal amenities, combining distinctive, bold styling with contemporary luxury, ingenious technology and rear-wheel drive performance. Powered by the Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged), the XLR-V produces 440 horsepower (328 kw) at 6400 rpm and 425 lb.-ft. (576 Nm) torque at 3600 rpm – and the engine’s power is underscored by its ability to deliver 90 percent of its peak torque between 2200 and 6000 rpm. The Northstar SC also features variable valve timing that enables outstanding top-end performance while maintaining the expected refinement and quality associated with a luxury marque.  The XLR-V also features numerous performance, chassis and design enhancements.

2007:  Escalade Redesign Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).*

Escalade

SRX received a redesigned interior.  The all-new cockpit is more luxurious and spacious, featuring a new instrument panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, center stack, door trim, wood trim, analog clock and steering wheel.

Passion Red Limited Edition XLR. All XLRs, STS receive the 6-speed Automatic.

2008 Cadillac CTS

2008:  Cadillac CTS 2nd Generation arrives with  3.6L direct injection engine making 304 hp; all new design with styling hints from the Cadillac Sixteen showcar.  CTS gets 6 speed transmission.

DTS platinum available. Lane departure warning and side blind zone alert systems available on top line STS.

Alpine White Limited Edition XLR.

2009 Cadillac CTS-V

2009: “V2” Cadillac CTS-V arrives: Supercharged CTS-V with 556 hp.  John Heinricy in an automatic transmission CTS-V Sedan sets a new WORLD record for sedans around the Nurburgring in Germany of 7 minutes, 59 seconds.  Cadillac and Bob Lutz host the Cadillac CTS-V Challenge at Montecello Motor Club (MMC) in New York, where CTS-V’s outrun all challengers.

Last model year for the sigma-platform SRX, which is redesigned for 2010.

Reference Articles:

2002 Cadillac Eldorado

2002 Cadillac Deville

2003 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2004 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2005 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2006 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2007 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2008 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

2009 Cadillac Product Line Highlights

Cadillac Product Line Highlights for 2005

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CADILLAC’S PRODUCT RENAISSANCE CONTINUES IN 2005 WITH ALL-NEW STS

Over the past several years, Cadillac has laid the groundwork to revitalize its vehicle lineup. All along, the first and most important objective has been to develop high quality vehicles with dramatic, breakthrough design and world-class performance.

In doing so, Cadillac has carefully preserved the qualities relevant to luxury consumers and translated them into products with the size, performance, features and benefits that appeal to 21st century buyers.

Today, the division has momentum. In 2003 Cadillac delivered its best U.S. sales performance since 1990. U.S. sales have increased by 44,000 units in the last two years, with most of the growth occurring in segments previously dominated by import competition.

Cadillac’s near-term objective is to return to elite premium brand status, while the long-term vision is to be recognized again as “The Standard of the World.”

The results of the effort are beginning to be seen. Cadillac ranks second in the most recent J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. The new Lansing Grand River Assembly plant, which manufactures several Cadillac models, had the highest initial quality of any plant in North and South America. And the Cadillac CTS, DeVille, XLR, Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV all earned top three places in the J.D. Power IQS survey for their respective segments.

For the 2005 model year, Cadillac refines its entire lineup and debuts the all-new STS.

STS: The 2005 STS replaces the Seville, and it combines the best of the brand into a luxury performance sedan that has been designed to deliver precision craftsmanship, exceptional performance and sophisticated luxury. Based on GM’s rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, STS will be available with a 255 horsepower (190 kw)3.6L V-6 in a rear-drive configuration, or the 320 horsepower (238 kw)Northstar 4.6L V-8 in rear- and all-wheel-drive. Both engines incorporate variable valve timing (VVT) and are mated to widely acclaimed Hydra-Matic five-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control.

CTS: The CTS was the first passenger car with Cadillac’s new design language. Its bold styling and sharp creases is a modern interpretation of the strikingly beautiful cars that made Cadillac famous. This year, buyers have more choices with a new entry level model with a new 2.8L, 210-horsepower (156 kw) engine. The higher-end CTS with the 3.6L V-6 VVT engine receives a new six-speed manual transmission. Built on GM’s acclaimed Sigma rear-wheel-drive architecture, CTS was the first North American vehicle to be rigorously tested at the famed Nurburgring racetrack in Germany.

CTS-V: An essential part of Cadillac’s product plan is to re-establish its heritage for explosive power with refined performance. This is where the new V-Series plays a critical role. The CTS-V represents the best of what Cadillac has to offer in terms of sophistication and luxury performance. It also is the most powerful production model the division has ever offered, with 400 horsepower (298 kw). Based on Cadillac’s performance-oriented rear-drive Sigma architecture, CTS-V is a highly refined high-performance luxury sedan designed for performance enthusiast drivers. The CTS-V also is the foundation for the CTS-V race car.

SRX: The award-winning Cadillac SRX has delivered performance and flexibility to the medium luxury utility segment, which it helped define. For 2005, SRX features minor updates, such as a new instrument cluster with chrome rings, darker privacy glass, standard navigation on the V-8 (optional on V-6). In addition, SRX will have optional trailering capability on the V-6, expanded towing capacity (available mid-year) of up to 4,250 pounds (1,928 kg) andoptionalMagnetic Ride Control available on RWD and AWD.

XLR: Since it debuted in 2003, the XLR has received positive response from the press, public and dealers alike. This year, the XLR buyer can choose either Dark or Light Eucalyptus interior and Blue Steel exterior paint. The XLR is a contemporary expression of Cadillac’s heritage of landmark design and advanced technology. Inspired by stealth fighter design, XLR brought the ongoing product-driven resurgence of Cadillac – led by Escalade and CTS – to an entirely new level.

Escalade: Few vehicles have generated as much buzz as the Escalade in recent years.  An instant hit with professional athletes, musicians, movie stars and automotive enthusiasts, Escalade’s strong lines and self-assured stance have attracted younger, affluent buyers to Cadillac, inspired song lyrics and created quite a following. Cadillac sold nearly 60,000 Escalades in 2003, its best year yet, and it also was No. 1 in its segment. This year, Escalade receives a new instrument cluster, navigation upgrades and the AWD moves up to the Vortec 6000 6.0L V-8 midyear.

Escalade EXT: A sport utility truck, with elements of a luxury SUV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT is Cadillac’s novel, groundbreaking interpretation of the genre and a bold, brash symbol of Cadillac’s reinvigoration. For 2005, the Escalade EXT also receives the new instrument cluster, navigation upgrades and other subtle changes.

Escalade ESV: Last year, the Escalade ESV Platinum Edition moved Cadillac into the luxury SUV market. The vehicle is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SUV available. It’s 22 inches (55.9 cm) longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches (50.8 cm) of interior length, translating into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability. The 2005 model year brings subtle refinements, including the new instrument cluster, all-new cooling system and Gen 6 OnStar hardware.

DeVille: Cadillac owns nearly 50 percent of the North American large luxury sedan segment, and is not taking its eye off of this important market. This year the DeVille receives three new exterior colors and sixth-generation OnStar hardware. And next year Cadillac will introduce an all-new DTS that will bring the vehicle’s styling more in line with the Cadillac design language, along with significant interior enhancements.

Cadillac Product Line Highlights for 2004

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CADILLAC PRODUCT RESURGENCE CONTINUES WITH TWO ALL-NEW MODELS FOR 2004

For the 2004 model year, the breakthrough era of Cadillac vehicles reaches full flight with two all-new entries in new segments – the XLR luxury roadster and SRX luxury utility.

In addition, 2004 ushers in new varieties of some of Cadillac’s most significant products, with the CTS-V performance version, the new Platinum version of the Escalade ESV and a special armored version of the DeVille, available in both standard sedan and stretch models.

“This is a truly historic time for Cadillac,” said Mark LaNeve, Cadillac general manager. “The complete Cadillac lineup for the 2004 model year is more compelling than at any time in the past 50 years. The product renaissance we began several years ago is now in full force.”

Here’s an overview of Cadillac’s 2004 product offerings:

XLR. The Cadillac XLR brings a striking new presence to the elite luxury roadster class with its dynamic design, advanced technology and a unique blend of luxury and performance. The performance-oriented chassis and structure, and an all-new 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT rear-wheel drive engine make it the lightest, most powerful vehicle in its class. Bold and edgy, yet elegant and refined, the XLR’s linear, crisp design creates a dramatic presence and modern icon for luxury and performance. Yet it still pays tribute to the marque’s rich history. The XLR offers the ultimate convenience of a retractable hard top. By pushing and holding a single button, the XLR can convert from coupe to open roadster in less than 30 seconds. Compared to soft-top convertibles, a retractable hardtop is quieter with the top up, more secure and more visually pleasing. XLR also features a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak, heated and cooled seats, Keyless Access with push-button start and DVD navigation and entertainment. It appears at dealerships in summer 2003.

SRX. The bold, breakthrough styling of the SRX instantly announces Cadillac’s arrival in the medium luxury utility segment. This all-new vehicle brings a heightened level of performance and flexibility to the segment, is based on GM’s acclaimed new Sigma architecture and is available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) applications. The SRX uses the next-generation 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) or the all-new 3.6L V-6 VVT. A near 50-50 weight distribution, a low center of gravity, outstanding powertrain combinations and a host of the latest vehicle stability technologies contribute to make SRX a rare utility vehicle that is, at its core, fun to drive. Chassis management and vehicle control systems on the SRX offer a high level of sophistication and help the vehicle respond accordingly to virtually all types of driving conditions. Features include the latest four-channel StabiliTrak active suspension control and available segment-first Magnetic Ride Control. The electronically controlled magnetic-fluid based real-time damping is the world’s fastest-reacting suspension control system. SRX offers an optional third row seat to hold up to seven passengers and appears at dealerships in fall 2003.

CTS. Fashioned from Cadillac’s edgy, bold design vocabulary, first-year CTS sales were strong, at 37,976, well ahead of the 30,000 units projected for 2002. For the 2004 model year, the CTS-V will debut, which will become the most powerful car in Cadillac’s lineup ever. CTS-V will be available in late ’03. Also for 2004, the already successful CTS sedan will get an all-new, more powerful 3.6L V-6 VVT engine on automatic transmission models, incorporating features and technology packaged to deliver high performance and refinement. In addition, the CTS also features suspension and interior changes for the 2004 model year.

DeVille. The DeVille gains heated and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel for 2004, along with new exterior colors. The DeVille also debuts a state-of-the-art armored edition for 2004. Designed to provide an added level of security, this extraordinary DeVille is intended for executives, officials and others who may require a high level of protection as they travel. The armored DeVille is available in both standard sedan and 8-inch stretch models, with a range of options to suit individual customer requirements.

Seville. The 2004 model year is one of transition for Seville. In May 2003, Cadillac discontinues the STS model to make way for the all-new Sigma-architecture based 2005 STS performance sedan, which begins production in summer 2004. As a result, the only Seville for the 2004 model year will be the SLS, which will be unchanged from the 2003 version and also will end production in December 2003. In addition, Cadillac will retire the Seville nameplate after the SLS ends production.

Escalade. An instant hit with professional athletes, musicians, movie stars and automotive enthusiasts, Escalade’s self-assured stance and strong lines have attracted younger, affluent buyers to Cadillac, inspired song lyrics and created quite an impressive following. The 2003 model year was one of marked change for the award-winning Escalade. For 2004, subtle refinements and new standard equipment improve the marque.

Escalade EXT. A sport utility truck, with elements of a luxury SUV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT is a bold symbol of Cadillac’s reinvigoration. Like Escalade, it is exposing the division to new generations and categories of buyers who might not have considered a Cadillac in the past.

Escalade ESV. Cadillac adds the ESV Platinum Edition to its newest Escalade ESV variant. This luxurious offspring is the roomiest, most powerful full-size luxury SUV available, and moves Cadillac into an all-new area of this growing market. The Platinum Edition features the most lavishly appointed interior available in an Escalade.