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Cadillac Product Line Highlights for 2009
DRAMATIC DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY POWER CADILLAC’S ONGOING RENAISSANCE
Cadillac’s ongoing renaissance, its extensive product revival and global expansion projects have returned the brand to a position within the top tier of luxury automakers. Now, entering the 2009 model year, that renaissance reaches a new and more ambitious phase with new products that extend Cadillac’s philosophy of dramatic design and technology.
The 2009 model year brings the much-anticipated introductions of the CTS-V and the Escalade Hybrid. CTS-V – the fastest and most powerful model offered in Cadillac’s 106-year history – is designed to be one of the world’s most desirable performance sedans. Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV.
“Luxury consumers want it all, everything from great design, to incredible performance, to fuel-saving technology and hand-crafted luxury” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “It’s our mission to provide all of that, as well as the dramatic design that has powered Cadillac’s resurgence.”
The rest of Cadillac’s ’09 lineup advances the brand’s performance, design and technology credentials. Here’s a brief look at the updated 2009 Cadillac portfolio:
CTS
The CTS sport sedan, totally redesigned for 2008, enters 2009 riding a wave of critical and consumer acclaim. It was named the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year and garnered accolades and awards from journalists and industry watchers who praised the redesigned CTS for its style, craftsmanship and inspired driving experience. CTS sales were up 81 percent in the first quarter of 2008, as it earns a place among the most desirable sport sedans.
The CTS is offered with a 3.6L direct injection engine, which is more powerful, efficient and clean. It delivers 304 horsepower (223 kW) with no loss of fuel efficiency, and a 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions over a comparable, non-direct injected engine.
CTS is also a technology leader, incorporating a host of convenient and thoughtful features including a USB port that enables iPods and similar devices to receive battery charging while integrating seamlessly with the audio system. Other helpful technologies include adaptive forward lighting that swivels in concert with steering and a “pop-up” navigation system.
CTS-V
The 2009 CTS-V is Cadillac’s ultimate expression of performance and luxury. It combines the serious performance of an elite sports car with the poise and elegance of a prestigious luxury sedan.
The V-Series’ 6.2L supercharged engines delivers an estimated 550 horsepower (410 kW). But more than just power, CTS-V also includes a comprehensive suite of technical and design enhancements. These include Magnetic Ride Control, and the addition of a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control.
The V’s development team, building off of the acclaimed CTS sedan and previous-generation V-Series cars, tirelessly fine-tuned the car on some of the world’s most demanding and legendary environments. Germany’s famed Nürburgring, and roads and tracks throughout the United States and Europe, were the proving grounds.
Escalade
Escalade, already the top large luxury SUV in terms of image and sales, extends its leadership in 2009 with more dramatic design and technology. There are three Escalade body styles to choose from, too: Escalade, the extended length Escalade ESV and the unique Escalade EXT luxury sport-utility truck.
Escalade Platinum is fullest expression of the brand’s dramatic design, luxury and technology. It enters ’09 with further enhancements, including segment-first LED headlamps. The Platinum is the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup and one of the most technically advanced SUVs on the market.
The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is the world’s first fuel-saving hybrid applied to a large luxury SUV, delivering more than a 50-percent fuel economy improvement in city driving.
DTS
For 2009, the full-size DTS luxury sedan is enhanced with minor styling changes and technical features that reinforce its craftsmanship. The ultra-luxury DTS Platinum Edition returns for 2009, too, packed with premium features and special paint options that represent the fullest extent of Cadillac’s elegance.
Among the DTS’ advanced technologies is GM’s Lane Departure Warning and Side Blind Zone Alert system. The Lane Departure Warning system is designed to help drivers avoid a collision caused by an inadvertent lane change, while the Side Blind Zone Alert system aids driver awareness of objects that otherwise might escape their vision.
The DTS is also factory-equipped with OnStar 8.0 with Bluetooth capability. This technology enables wireless connectivity of cell phones and other electronic data devices, allowing for easier and safer hands-free phone connectivity.
STS
Cadillac’s luxury performance sedan, restyled extensively for 2008, continues to offer high levels of technology and craftsmanship for 2009.
A 302-horsepower (225 kW) 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with exceptional power, fuel economy and reduced emissions is standard. Additionally, Cadillac’s luxury performance sedan also features enhanced signature styling cues and adds leading-edge performance and safety-enhancing technologies.
The Cadillac STS is available in V-6 and V-8 rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. For the ultimate marriage of luxury and performance, the STS-V is loaded with performance features, including a 469-horsepower (350 kW) Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine.
XLR
The XLR roadster is Cadillac’s distinctive entry into the elite club of luxury roadsters. XLR is substantially enhanced for 2009, with a more dramatic design and a revised model lineup focusing on maximizing its luxury and performance credentials.
For the 2009 model year, the XLR rolls with updated styling, new color choices, revised interior trim and high-tech electronics through the next-generation OnStar 8.0 system. It also has a simplified, two-model lineup: The luxurious XLR Platinum and the high-performance XLR-V. The XLR Platinum is equipped with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT; and the XLR-V is powered with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Northstar V-8 supercharged engine.
The 2009 XLR sports new front and rear styling inspired by the Sixteen concept and the acclaimed CTS sports sedan, along with a new side vent. Both the Platinum and V-Series versions include hand-stitched leather accents inside the cabin.
SRX
The lauded Cadillac SRX crossover continues to offer one of the segment’s most satisfying combinations of sedan-like driving character and SUV spaciousness. It delivers these attributes with the luxury and technical acumen that have been at the forefront of resurgent Cadillac’s product renaissance.
For 2009, the SRX maintains its distinctive exterior and hand-crafted luxury interior. Performance is derived from either a 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing or a powerful 4.6L Northstar V-8 that is renowned for its power and smoothness.
Cadillac Product Line Highlights for 2008
ALL-NEW, DRAMATICALLY DESIGNED CTS LEADS NEXT ERA OF CADILLAC’S RENAISSANCE
In recent years, Cadillac has engineered an historic renaissance with a completely transformed product lineup powering enhanced consumer image and global growth. Entering the 2008 model year, Cadillac pushes its progress even further, with the dramatic new CTS luxury sport sedan leading the brand into a new and more ambitious era.
The Cadillac product lineup continues to extend its performance, design and technology credentials in 2008. The STS performance sedan undergoes major enhancements for 2008, including a new standard V6 engine and advanced safety innovations. The exclusive Platinum Series, offering distinctively elegant luxury features, extends to the DTS and STS sedans, as well as to the XLR luxury roadster. Mid-way through the 2008 calendar year, a new and much-anticipated Escalade Hybrid will debut, using the innovative “two-mode” gas-electric hybrid system to provide significant fuel efficiency to the image and sales leader among luxury SUVs.
Launching in late summer 2007, the all-new CTS is characterized with dramatic design and serious performance, and a renewed emphasis on handcrafted details and advanced technology.
Inspired by Cadillac’s landmark Sixteen concept car, the design of the CTS is immediately recognizable. The large, chrome dual-textured grille is significantly more vertical in shape, and is both aggressive and intricate. A two-inch increase in track width, along with an evolution of CTS’ trademark edginess provides a new, more aggressive stance and proportion to the car. Details such as new side air extractors and bright accents are a modern homage to Cadillac’s grand heritage. Side extractors and bright accents are among the new details paying homage to Cadillac’s grand heritage. The new look of the CTS brings a flair and personality that is unique to the normally reserved luxury sedan category.
The CTS is offered with a new 3.6L Direct Injection engine, which is more powerful, efficient and clean. This gasoline direct injection technology, similar to what is used on the latest fuel-saving diesels, delivers fuel more precisely to increase the efficiency of combustion. With the CTS’ 3.6L V-6, this means more power, with 304 horsepower (223 kW), no loss of fuel efficiency and a 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions.
Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are offered with the ’08 CTS. And, for the first time, all-wheel drive is added as an optional enhancement. The CTS has a wider track and new suspension that extends both performance and luxury attributes. The new CTS is the second-generation of the car to be developed at Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit, as well as extensive testing on tracks, city streets, and rural roads across Europe, China and North America
Inside, the ’08 CTS exemplifies Cadillac’s focus on handcrafted details, including cut-and-sewn interior trim, authentic wood accents and a sharply tailored appearance. Dramatic interior lighting supplied by LEDs dresses the cabin distinctively at night.
CTS is also a technology leader, incorporating a host of convenient and thoughtful features, including a USB port that enables iPods and similar devices to receive battery charging while integrating seamlessly with the audio system. Other helpful technologies include adaptive forward lighting that swivels in concert with steering, a navigation system with touch-screen and voice control, a heated windshield washer fluid, rear ultrasonic park assist, EasyKey system and Smart Remote Start.
Here’s a look at what is new with the other products in Cadillac’s 2008 portfolio:
DTS
New for 2008, the DTS Platinum features an even higher level of luxury for Cadillac’s most discerning customers. First introduced on the Escalade SUV, Cadillac’s Platinum Series is a limited-edition collection of vehicles that express the full extent of the brand’s luxury attributes. For the 2008 DTS, this includes a new handcrafted interior and additional elegant touches.
The 2008 DTS also features two new available safety-enhancing technologies that improve driver awareness. Lane Departure Warning is designed to help drivers avoid a collision caused by an inadvertent lane change, and Side Blind Zone Alert system aids driver awareness of objects that otherwise might escape their vision. Both systems provide audible and visual warnings, based on input from electronic sensors.
The DTS is equipped with the technologically advanced Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine and mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T80 four-speed automatic transmission – a proven combination that assures powerful, sophisticated performance. The Northstar 4.6L V-8 engine is available in two configurations: one rated at 292-horsepower (218 kW) and the other at 275-horsepower (205 kW).
STS
A new 302-horsepower (225 kW) 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 engine with improved power, fuel economy and reduced emissions is the standard engine for 08. Additionally Cadillac’s luxury performance sedan also features enhanced signature styling cues and adds leading-edge performance and safety-enhancing technologies.
For 2008, the Cadillac STS is available in V-6 and V-8 rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models. For the ultimate marriage of luxury and performance, the STS-V is loaded with performance features, including a 469-horsepower (350 kW) Supercharged Northstar V-8 engine. The STS-V is the most powerful Cadillac ever offered. In addition, Cadillac’s signature Platinum designation comes to STS for ‘08, injecting an additional level of distinctive luxury nuances such as a Glacier Gold exterior finish; bright chrome inserts on the exterior door handles and exclusive Platinum badging.
GM’s Lane Departure Warning System is available on the 2008 STS. Controlled by a camera located in the rearview mirror that reads the lines in the road, the system will alert drivers when they have strayed into another lane. Drivers receive both an audible and visual alert cue. Another new optional feature, GM’s Side Blind Zone Alert System, extends and enhances driver awareness and vision.
XLR
The ’08 XLR roadster adds a dash of exclusivity to its unique combination of performance, advanced technology and dramatic design, with a limited-edition model produced during a short build period (December 2007 through February 2008). The 2008 Alpine White Limited Edition XLR features a chrome grille and 18-inch chrome wheels. The Alpine White XLR follows 2007’s Passion Red XLR, which quickly sold out.
Cadillac also will continue its highly exclusive XLR Platinum series, injecting even more luxury into the brand’s portfolio with luxury touches that include a handcrafted leather interior. Also for 2008, the Cadillac XLR adds a heated steering wheel and an improved version of Cadillac’s acclaimed Magnetic Ride Control system. XLR’s shock damping system is revised for 2008, extending the car’s already impressive blend of agility and ride quality. Other advanced technologies include Adaptive Forward Lighting that enables the headlamps to swivel in concert with vehicle steering; a head-up display; StabiliTrak; heated and cooled seats; Keyless Access with push-button start; and DVD navigation and entertainment.
The XLR represents the top of the Cadillac range with two basic models: the XLR with a 320-horsepower (239 kW) 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT; and the XLR-V high-performance variant – the quickest and most agile Cadillac ever offered – with a 443-horsepower (330 kW) 4.4L Northstar V-8 supercharged engine.
Escalade
Cadillac Escalade enters 2008 with the widest array of models in the segment, including three body styles – Escalade, and the extended length Escalade ESV and EXT luxury sport-utility truck. Later in the 2008 calendar year, the Escalade family greets two important new members – an exclusive ultra-luxury Escalade Platinum edition and the Escalade Hybrid (details on both of these models will be released later in the year).
Escalade is the image and sales leader among large luxury SUVs, a position earned by its heritage for bold and dramatic design, power and luxury.
Completely redesigned for 2007, the ’08 Escalade features integrated powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems that deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUVs in the segment. Power is derived from a 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).* The Escalade and Escalade ESV are available in AWD and 2WD configurations (2WD is new to Escalade ESV for ’08), while the Escalade EXT sport-utility truck features standard, full-time AWD.
The “regular” Escalade features 3 standard rows of seating, including the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second row that simplifies access and comfort for passengers or cargo. The extended ESV model features maximum passenger and cargo space, adding 21 inches (53 cm) of length to the body. The EXT is characterized by the pickup-style rear cargo area, featuring the exclusive and innovative Midgate system that enables ultimate flexibility for passengers or cargo and some 45.5 cubic feet (1,289 liters) of covered, lockable storage.
SRX
Cadillac’s acclaimed crossover, the SRX, offers a compelling blend of luxury, convenience and excellent driving dynamics. A near 50-50 weight distribution, low center of gravity, outstanding powertrain combinations and the StabiliTrak stability control system help SRX deliver a fine balance between spirited driving performance and refined ride quality.
The cabin, completely redesigned in 2007, features elegantly handcrafted construction, thoughtful features and premium materials. In ’08 the SRX crossover adds more luxury and convenience to its acclaimed blend of driving performance, spacious versatility and passenger comfort, including Adaptive Remote Start system. This convenient feature starts the engine and can adjust cabin temperature to personal preferences, engage the defrosters, and activate the available heated or vented seats from up to 200 feet away.
The SRX features two engine combinations: the 4.6L Northstar V-8 VVT (variable valve timing) or the 3.6L V-6 VVT. Both are available in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. The V-8 engine is sophisticated and technically advanced and generates 320 horsepower (239 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 315 lb.-ft. of torque (427 Nm) at 4,400 rpm. It is backed by a six-speed automatic.
The 3.6L V-6 VVT makes 255 horsepower (190 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 254 lb.-ft. of torque (344 Nm) at 2,800 rpm and is paired with a five-speed automatic. The transmission features Driver Shift Control (with clutchless manual shifting), electronically controlled engine braking and downgrade detection with brake assist.