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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 2003

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CADILLAC BREAKS THROUGH THE LUXURY MARKET WITH FIVE PRODUCT LAUNCHES IN 18 MONTHS

For a century, Cadillac has been known for breakthroughs such as the self-starter, the first mass-produced V8 engine, the first high-volume car to be designed by a stylist and the first mass-produced vehicle stability system. Cadillac’s tradition of pioneering technical advancements with real customer benefits continues, with technology such as Night Vision, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio and Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s fastest-reacting suspension.

Today, Cadillac is in the midst of a product renaissance – debuting five all-new vehicles in 18 months. For the 2003 model year, Cadillac launches the entry-luxury CTS sedan, an enhanced Escalade and Escalade EXT, and the new Escalade ESV full-size SUV. These four models join the existing Seville and DeVille lineup. In mid-2003, the luxury utility SRX and XLR luxury roadster will enter the mix – both as ’04 model-year vehicles. The SRX will combine performance with functionality and feature Cadillac’s signature bold styling. The XLR debuted to media at the 2002 North American International Auto Show to rave reviews, as did the Cien concept car – a premium V12-powered, mid-engine, two-seat supercar. In addition, Cadillac will debut a CTS performance edition, yet-to-be-named, during the 2004 calendar year.

Here’s a snapshot of the 2003 Cadillac lineup.

CTS: The CTS is fashioned from Cadillac’s edgy, tailored new design vocabulary. It is built on an all-new rear-wheel-drive architecture, features a 220-hp 3.2L V6 with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. It was the first North American vehicle to be tested at the famed Nürburgring track in Germany.

Escalade: The Escalade, which debuted as a 2002 model, already features significant enhancements for 2003, including the passenger-sensing system, HID headlamps and new options such as XM Satellite Radio and a Panasonic DVD Passenger Entertainment System.

Escalade EXT: The EXT sport utility truck features many of the same improvements as the Escalade, including those mentioned above.

Escalade ESV: The 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV is the largest full-size luxury SUV available – and the largest Cadillac ever produced. Some 22 inches longer than Escalade, with more than 20 extra inches of interior length, it provides customers with additional premium seating and segment-leading cargo-carrying capability. Cadillac’s exclusive 345-hp 6.0L V8 engine also makes Escalade, Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV the most powerful full-size SUVs in the world. This high-output powertrain cranks out 380 ft-lb of torque at 4000 rpm – or more than enough power to handle steep grades or a heavily weighted two-horse trailer. And GM’s full-time all-wheel-drive and StabiliTrak systems give owners extra confidence regardless of weather and road conditions.

What’s more, the Escalade ESV shares the same bold exterior design and commanding road presence as Escalade and Escalade EXT, with new-for-2003 luxury enhancements and all of the advanced-technology premium features that have made Escalade the leader – and an icon – in the full-size luxury utility segment.

In addition to the confidence underfoot afforded from AWD and StabiliTrak with Road Sensing Suspension (RSS), the Escalade ESV offers such technological advancements as Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar and XM Satellite Radio service. Plus, it offers a rear-seat entertainment system with a Panasonic DVD player, a new Bulgari-designed analog clock, as well as a host of other luxury amenities. The addition of the Escalade ESV to Cadillac’s Escalade lineup will help GM continue to build momentum in the luxury utility market.

“The Escalade ESV is a great addition to Cadillac’s family of luxury utilities,” said Cadillac general manager Mark LaNeve. “Customer feedback tells us there is market potential for a full-size luxury SUV that provides additional seating and cargo space. Combined with the Escalade and the Escalade EXT, the Escalade ESV will help Cadillac lead this segment of the luxury utility market.”

Seville: Seville debuts next-generation Magnetic Ride Control technology, a ride control system that improves vehicle stability, directional steering responses, ride comfort and body-motion control.

DeVille: DeVille makes a few changes for 2003, including new Michelin tires for better ride and handling.

Cadillac also debuted a unique, compelling advertising campaign to support its new lineup. The “Break Through” campaign reflects Cadillac’s return to its heritage of producing vehicles known for head-turning design and innovative technology. The first spot broke during the 2002 Super Bowl broadcast, and Cadillac followed it up with spots during additional high-profile events such as the Winter Olympics, Academy Awards, Wimbledon tennis and various prime-time programming.

Throughout, the integrated campaign builds divisional identity, while highlighting the breadth of the portfolio. Television spots feature the song “Rock and Roll” by the rock group Led Zeppelin.

As Cadillac realigns its product portfolio, many Cadillac dealerships are undergoing a metamorphosis with all-new dealer showrooms. Developed in 2000, the new retail design concept expresses the heart and soul of Cadillac with high-quality materials and lighting to create an open, modern space.

The architecture and interior design align showrooms with the look of Cadillac’s product direction. The showrooms feature two exclusive materials – oversized ceramic black porcelain tile flooring and patterned wool carpet. Black leather furniture features wood and metal accents, and fabrics mix black, white and platinum. The interior pays especially close attention to detail in the sales and service areas, to help elevate the car-buying experience.

Williamson Cadillac in Miami was the first to adapt the new concept, and Cadillac projects up to 20 percent of its dealers will resdesign their showrooms by the end of 2003.