2006 Cadillac DTS & ESVe Limousines

(from GM Press Release)  The 2006 Cadillac DTS limousine and Escalade ESVe limousine reinforce the luxury nameplate’s commitment to introduce exciting, world-class products. These new Cadillac limousines feature technologies geared to the passenger and luxuriously appointed and spacious interiors.

“The DTS and Escalade ESVe limousines are the latest additions to Cadillac’s continued product renaissance,” said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. “Our intention is to launch vehicles that are boldly designed, powerful and feature driver- and passenger-friendly technologies. We expect that the DTS and Escalade ESVe limousines will appeal to affluent individuals, celebrities, executives and leading ground transportation companies in the U.S. ”

The DTS and Escalade ESVe (‘e’ stands for executive) limousines were previewed by the limousine and livery industry earlier this month; however, Cadillac is unveiling them nationally to the media and general public at the New York International Auto Show.

It was a natural decision for Cadillac to publicly showcase these unique vehicles in New York City , the heart of the largest ground transportation market in the country. The limousine and livery industry provides chauffeur-driven transportation to the public, using a variety of vehicles such as traditional stretch limousines, sedans and SUVs. With 35 percent of all livery businesses residing in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, and operating an estimated 44,300 professional vehicles, it is easy to understand Cadillac’s business rationale.

In addition to the sheer volume of new limousines that are sold annually, Cadillac is focusing on the number of passengers that ride in chauffeur-driven vehicles. “Our professional vehicle product portfolio offers a tremendous opportunity to expose millions of people who may not be familiar with our most recent offerings to a truly re-energized Cadillac brand,” said Taylor . Cadillac conservatively estimates that 2.6 million people travel in Cadillac professional vehicles each year – that’s 2.6 million potential customers for Cadillac products.

The 2006 DTS limousine, constructed on Cadillac’s specially engineered, heavy-duty DTS limousine chassis, features a 70-inch wheelbase extension. The exterior keeps with Cadillac’s signature contemporary design of the DTS retail model. It is equipped with new front-end sheet metal, grille, fascia and standard high-intensity xenon headlamps. The new decklid, rear quarter, rear fascia and light-emitting diode (LED) tail lamps and CHMSL are also new.

With seating for six passengers in the rear compartment, the luxurious and sophisticated interior of the DTS is taken to new heights. The DTS limousine features a technologically advanced multi-media center, including a 22-inch LCD TV mounted in the partition, an AM/FM stereo with CD and XM radio capabilities, 5-speaker premium sound, a DVD player, wireless headphones, and a tablet PC.

Rear seat passenger comfort and convenience is also a priority in the DTS limousine. The forward-facing rear seat is heated and has a power reclining feature. Passengers will also find electronically controlled doors in the burled elm consoles, a writing table, vanity mirrors, a refreshment compartment and refrigerator, a magazine rack and even a humidor. Passengers are in complete command of their personal sanctuary, with fingertip controls for the enhanced HVAC system, intercom system, privacy partition, direct and indirect LED lighting, and more.

With a 40-inch wheelbase extension, the Escalade ESVe limousine is a mobile board room and entertainment suite on wheels. It is equipped with opulent amenities and seating for four passengers in the rear cabin.

Similar to the DTS limousine, the Escalade ESVe has a high-tech electronics system that would satisfy audio and video aficionados. A 26-inch LCD TV is located in the privacy partition for forward-facing passengers, while a second 15-inch LCD TV screen is mounted in the ceiling for rear-facing passengers. Complementing the immense visual qualities of the Escalade ESVe is a 250-watt, 5-channel stereo system. It features a flip-up LCD touch screen and capabilities for AM/FM and XM Satellite Radio, DVD, CD and MP3, and 14 speakers for pure surround sound performance. The Escalade ESVe also has an embedded satellite TV system that offers more than 125 channels of live programming and CD-quality music.

The rear cabin features nuance leather on all interior surfaces with genuine suede inserts, plush carpeting and LED lighting. The four leather captain’s chairs are heated, and the two rearmost seats have a power reclining feature along with power extending foot rests. A partition separates the driver’s compartment from the rear cabin for optimum privacy. There are two consoles in the rear that house a variety of features, including polished aluminum and walnut tables for each seating position, a refrigerator, cup holders, a tablet PC, a fax and printer, controls for the hands free intercom, HVAC system and more. Even with the privacy partition closed, passengers in the rear have a commanding view of the road with a system that displays images on a 7-inch LCD screen in the rear console.

All Cadillac limousines are built by Cadillac Master Coachbuilders using specific chassis manufactured by Cadillac. With 13 coachbuilders across the country, the program is designed to provide custom precision-crafted limousines, livery vehicles and funeral coaches with the finest conversions that meet strict Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Cadillac is the luxury division of General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM) and produces vehicles such as the STS performance sedan, the XLR convertible roadster, the SRX midsize utility and the CTS entry-level sedan. In addition to selling the popular DeVille nameplate, Cadillac also sells the popular Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT.