All-new Sigma-based Car is Highly
Crafted Entry into Global Luxury Performance Sedan Market
Cadillac Signature Design Vocabulary
Rear-Wheel- or All-Wheel-Drive
Performance
Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 VVT or
3.6-liter V-6 VVT
Dynamic Integrated Chassis Control
Systems for Balanced Ride & Handling
(from GM Press Release) The
2005 Cadillac STS is the luxury nameplate’s all-new luxury performance
sedan. It has been designed, engineered and executed to deliver
precision craftsmanship, outstanding performance, and sophisticated
luxury in a distinctly American package.
Based on General Motors’ new rear-wheel-drive Sigma architecture, which
also is the foundation for Cadillac’s entry-luxury CTS sedan, CTS
V-series high-performance sedan, and SRX luxury performance utility –
the STS is designed to compete head-on with world-renowned prestige
sedans in markets around the globe.
“Our long-term goal for Cadillac is to become the Standard of the World
once again,” said Mark LaNeve, general manager for Cadillac. “In order
to succeed globally, we have to build vehicles that have outstanding
performance, exceptional quality and reliability, and meet the demands
of the most discerning car buyers. “The STS represents the latest step
in that direction.”
From its Cadillac-signature bold exterior styling to its outstanding
power and road capabilities, the STS is the product of unwavering
attention to detail. More than 1,000 criteria points have been strictly
adhered to throughout development of the vehicle. The result is
outstanding fit and finish, overall harmony, refined performance and
purposeful innovation.
“We feel very comfortable calling this a finely crafted car, but we also
realize that’s the price of entry into this category,” said Jim Taylor,
GM vehicle line executive, prestige vehicles. “The STS has simply been
engineered to more than hold its own when matched against some of the
best prestige luxury sedans in the world.”
While its overall shape brings a faster profile and more rake than its
CTS sibling, it’s done so in the context of elegance and grace. Overall,
the STS is 196-inches long, 72.6 inches wide and 57.6-inches high,
making it the largest sedan offering in the Sigma-based family.
The exterior fit and finish on the STS is taking Cadillac to the next
level of refinement and exemplifies the attention to detail seen
throughout the vehicle. Body and exterior dimensions are precisely
executed. Radii on major body components, such as the hood and decklid,
are tight and contribute to its crisp exterior appearance.
Doors-into-roof construction and a superplastic-formed aluminum decklid
ensure a clean and refined exterior.
All interior gaps also achieve exceptionally close tolerances, enabling
a tight, well-crafted appearance throughout. Eucalyptus wood and/or
in-mold processed, dent and mar resistant aluminum trim is found on the
steering wheel, center console, instrument panel, and door armrests.
Premium materials and fabrics are used throughout the interior.
Dual-firmness Tuscany all-leather seats, available as heated and
ventilated, are specially tanned for a softer feel. Spray-skinned
urethane/natural grained surfaces on the door and instrument panel
ensure an inviting, tactile touch, as do the headliner and interior
pillars, which are soft backed and covered with a Monaco woven fabric.
In terms of performance, the STS will be available with a 255-horsepower
3.6L V-6 in a rear-drive configuration, or the 320-horsepower Northstar
4.6L V-8 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations. Both engines
incorporate variable valve timing (VVT) and are mated to widely
acclaimed 5-speed automatic transmissions with Driver Shift Control.
While the STS is true to Cadillac’s performance-oriented roots, a host
of chassis refinements ensure that it hits the “sweet-spot” of ride and
handling, resulting in a ride that keeps drivers fresh and comfortable
without sacrificing the driving experience.
Road impacts and other harsh inputs are effectively absorbed and
dissipated through ride-tuned tires, dampers, suspension components and
bushings, as well as improved structure in body to chassis interfaces
and additional refinements in the engine mounts.
Integrated chassis control technologies include a two-mode Magnetic Ride
Control offering performance or touring selections, four-channel
StabiliTrak, and an available high-precision ZF steering gear.
Technological appointments on the STS are plentiful, purposeful, and
driver oriented. Such applications include an Easy Key system; Smart
Remote Start system (not available in Europe or Russia); Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC); Intellibeam; re-configurable, four-color Head-Up Display
(HUD); heated and ventilated seats; and heated steering wheel.
Of particular note is an available up-level infotainment system, which
includes one of the industry’s first OEM-installed surround sound audio
systems. The cabin is immersed with 15 speakers from Bose Corporation.
The 5.1 Bose system also has an integrated six-disc CD/DVD changer and
is capable of playing a broad array of formats including DVD-A, CD, and
MP3. It includes an eight-inch VGA quality touch screen and advanced
navigation. In addition, the system has Bluetooth capability, advanced
voice recognition, and OnStar.
Like its Sigma-based siblings, the all-new STS will be built at GM’s
state-of-the-art Lansing Grand River assembly center in Lansing, Mich.,
beginning in the summer of 2004.
The STS is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fourth
quarter of 2004. Beginning in 2005, the STS will be available in Europe,
Japan, Russia, Middle East, South Korea, Taiwan and Israel.
