February 9, 2005
Chicago auto show
Upgraded Cadillac Deville now just DTS
Chicago, Illinois – The new 2006 Cadillac DTS features freshened styling, a new interior, refined chassis, and upgraded V8 powerplants. The DTS succeeds its predecessor, the DeVille, which has accounted for nearly 50 percent of sales in its segment for the past 19 years.
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The front-wheel-drive large luxury sedan incorporates a single-model strategy (one exterior, one interior with multiple option packages) and follows Cadillac’s alpha naming strategy established by the CTS.
The 2006 DTS is equipped with new front-end sheet metal, grille, fascia and standard high-intensity xenon headlamps. The decklid, rear quarter, rear fascia and light emitting diode (LED) tail lamps and CHMSL are also new.
An all-new sophisticated interior on the DTS incorporates dual-firmness seats optimally engineered for comfort and support with an additional 25 mm (approximately 1-inch) of seat travel; available real burl wood garnish; a lowered and more forward-positioned instrument panel for increased perceived spaciousness; a new analog clock; soft-backed, cast-urethane surfaces on the instrument panel and upper doors; and an integrated centre stack design for a clean, uninterrupted appearance.
The DTS is equipped with the technologically advanced Northstar 4.6 litre V-8 engine mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T80-E four-speed automatic transmission. The Northstar V-8 engine is available in two configurations: the 290-horsepower L37 and the 275-horsepower LD8 (horsepower ratings are estimated).
Chassis tuning on the DTS has focused on achieving a smooth, quiet, refined ride. Perhaps the biggest differentiator between the current DeVille offerings and the DTS comes in the form of an entirely new front cradle design. On the DTS, the engine is mounted to the cradle, and the cradle is mounted to the body rails.
A host of integrated chassis control technologies include four-channel anti-lock brakes and traction control, four-channel StabiliTrak with Brake Assist, and Magnetic Ride Control. The DTS also employs larger 17- or 18-inch wheels and tires as well as larger 323-mm brakes for enhanced stopping power.
Six air bags are standard including an industry-first dual depth front passenger air bag. The GM-patented technology deploys either a shallow (smaller) or deep (larger) air bag depending upon the severity of the crash, seat belt usage, and occupant seating position.
The DTS will be manufactured at GM’s Detroit Hamtramck assembly centre and is expected to arrive in Cadillac showrooms in the fall of 2005. In addition to the U.S. and Canada, the DTS will be exported for sale in Mexico, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
