13.9.2005
Cadillac presents a range of new products at the Frankfurt Motor Show
The Cadillac global product offensive is in high gear. Within the next weeks the public can get a first look at the production version of the all-new Cadillac BLS at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Further highlights are the performance variants, called V-series, of the XLR roadster and the new luxury sedan STS.
Cadillac BLS
The new premium mid-size sedan Cadillac BLS adds another important element to Cadillac’s growing international presence. It was developed with European customer demands in mind and provides a critical entry for Cadillac into the highly competitive international markets.
The front-wheel drive BLS offers expressive design, outstanding ride and acoustic comfort. It also marks a new era in the brand’s history, with its first turbodiesel variant and is fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. Like the gasoline versions (175, 210, and 255 hp), the turbo diesel (150 hp) offers the dynamic driving performance that customers have come to expect from Cadillac.
The Cadillac BLS design was conceived by an international team of designers led by GM’s Vice President of Design Ed Welburn and fits perfectly into the Cadillac family.
The Cadillac BLS is scheduled to be launched in Europe in spring 2006 and will be built in GM’s manufacturing facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V
The Cadillac STS-V is the most intense expression of Cadillac power and performance yet. As well as being designed for comfortable everyday driving, the STS-V has been developed to deliver supercharged, rear-drive performance with an elegant design statement that is unmistakably Cadillac.
At the heart of the STS-V is a new, 4.4-liter version of the Northstar engine fitted with a positive displacement intercooled supercharger. The Northstar V-8 SC (supercharged) engine produces 350 kW/476 hp at 6400 rpm. It will rev to a maximum of 6700 rpm and develops 595 Nm of torque at 3900 rpm. The Northstart V-8 SC meets the emissions standards and is EURO4 compliant.
The XLR-V is also equipped with the Northstar V-8 SC, supercharged engine, producing 330 kW/448 hp. Combined with a rear-mounted six-speed automatic transmission, the XLR-V effectively delivers 0-to-100 km/h acceleration performance in under 5 seconds.
Measuring a compact 4.51 meters by 1.84 meters, the XLR is based on the iconic Evoq concept car. The near 50/50 weight distribution for enhanced balance and vehicle dynamics takes the XLR-V to an entirely different performance level. Chassis refinements include larger brakes, stabilizer bars, wheels and tires, and a performance-calibrated Magnetic Ride Control (MR) system.