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Shanghai, China
6-speed automatic
The STS (Seville Touring Sedan) is a luxury car sold by Cadillac.
The STS is the successor to the Cadillac Seville. That car used the STS name, standing for “Seville Touring Sedan” on upscale performance-oriented versions from at least 1988. In 1992, Cadillac split the Seville line into STS and less performance-oriented SLS (for “Seville Luxury Sedan”) trim lines. The next year, the STS got Cadillac’s then-new Northstar System, including the aluminium DOHC L37 “Northstar” V8 engine. Throughout its existence, the STS was Cadillac’s highest-priced sedan model. Worldwide, the STS is Cadillac’s flagship model. In North America, the STS is positioned between the mid-size CTS and larger DTS, and is priced above the DTS.
The front wheel drive Seville was retired in 2004, replaced by an entirely new STS model based on the rear wheel drive GM Sigma platform. All wheel drive is offered as an option, the first Cadillac sedan to be available with this drive system. The STS carries on the Magnetic Ride Control suspension, which has bragging rights as being the ‘fastest reacting suspension ever,’ before it was ever utilized on newer Corvettes and Ferraris.
The Cadillac STS is assembled at GM’s Lansing Grand River facility in Lansing, Michigan along with the smaller Cadillac CTS sedan and Cadillac SRX crossover SUV.
As of 2007, Engines are a 3.6 L High Feature LY7 V6 with 255 hp (190 kW) and 252 ft·lbf (342 N·m) and the 4.6 L Northstar LH2 V8 which outputs 320 hp (239 kW) and 315 ft·lbf (427 N·m) in the STS. All engine models feature a DOHC and VVT. Remote ignition is standard. Although most 2005 and 2006 Cadillac STS models offer a 255 hp (190 kW) engine, an option for a 3.6L 320 hp (239 kW) engine was available at the time through Cadillac’s performance packages. As of 2007, Cadillac now has different packages and car models, which no longer support this option.
Wheelbase is 116.4 in (2957 mm), though overall length is shorter than the Seville. Interior space is greater than its predecessor, though. A heads-up display is optional, as is a 300 Watt Bose stereo system with MP3 capability. Base pricing starts at US$40,995, and extends to US$52,240 for the AWD V8 model.
The 2006 V-series STS-V was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. It features a supercharged 4.4 L version of the Northstar V8, along with handling upgrades. This engine is certified by the SAE to produce 469 hp (350 kW) and 439 ft·lbf (595 N·m).
Cadillac gave the public its first glimpse of the STS-V in its Super Bowl commercial, which aired February 6, 2005. The STS-V has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds with roll-out and 5.1 seconds without roll-out.
The STS-V has a 6 speed manu-matic transmission with two shifting modes, bigger brakes by Brembo, larger 10 spoke alloy wheels (18-by-8.5-inch front, 19-by-9.5-inch rear), Pirelli run-flat tires, a faster steering ratio, and a stiffer suspension than the standard STS. The STS-V also has upgraded leather and suede interior appointments by the German company Dräxlmaier who also does the interior for the Maybach. Interior color choices were Ebony and Gray, both of which are offered on the standard STS as well, and a unique two tone Ebony/Tango Red which is only offered on the STS-V.
It went on sale in the United States in late 2005 for just under US$80,000.
In 2006, Cadillac introduced a stretched STS called the SLS. Only available in the Chinese market, and assembled by Shanghai GM, the SLS adds 3.9 inches (99.1 mm) of rear-seat legroom and has a different interior.
For 2008, the STS has been updated. Changes include a refreshed exterior, with styling cues resembling the 2008 CTS, such as larger, more aggressive grille and chrome fender vents. The interior has also be updated, with new materials and a new steering wheel, though the overall interior design remains the same, despite previous rumors of an all-new interior similar to that of the Chinese-market SLS. The standard powertrain is now a direct-injected 3.6 L V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which in the STS will produce 302 horsepower (225 kW) and 272 ft·lbf (369 N·m) of torque. It also offers enhanced safety features, including a lane departure warning system, a blind spot monitoring system, and an improved version of GM’s StabiliTrak stability control system, which can now operate the steering system in addition to the brakes to help correct a skid. Additionally, options previously limited to the V8 model (such as HID headlamps and heads-up display) are now available with the V6. The 2008 Cadillac STS debuted at the 2007 New York Auto Show.
Along with the DTS sedan, Cadillac has confirmed that it will be discontinuing both cars for the 2010 model year. They will be replaced with one performance sedan.

The Cadillac Escalade is a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle sold by the General Motors luxury brand, Cadillac. It was the division’s first major entry into the popular SUV market. The Escalade was introduced for the 1999 model year in response to German and Japanese competitors and to Ford’s 1998 release of the Lincoln Navigator. The Escalade project went into production only 10 months after it was approved. The standard Escalade is built in Arlington, Texas. The name Escalade refers to a siege warfare tactic of scaling defensive walls or ramparts with the aid of ladders or siege towers.
The Escalade was originally based on the GMC Yukon Denali, but was redesigned for the 2002 model year to make its appearance fall more in line with Cadillac’s new design theme. The Escalade was not the first Chevrolet-based Cadillac: the first generation Seville and the 1980s Cimarron were based on entry-level Chevrolet vehicles (the Nova and Cavalier, respectively). As of today, the Escalade and Escalade EXT pickup are, together with the Cadillac BLS, the only Cadillac vehicles made outside of the United States. Previously, the 2006 Cadillac CTS was briefly assembled in China for the local market, and the Cadillac Catera was assembled in Germany until the 2001 model year. Both the Escalade ESV (Based on the Chevrolet Suburban) and Escalade EXT (based on the Avalanche pickup truck) were made in Silao, Mexico before the 2006 redesign; the new Escalade ESV is sourced from Arlington, Texas.
The introduction of the Lincoln Navigator in 1998 necessitated that General Motors be able to compete in the burgeoning American market for full-size luxury sport utility vehicles. This generation was only a five-seat SUV. The first Escalade was a largely unsuccessful endeavor from the start. Fearing the growing hegemony of the Lincoln Navigator, the Escalade was rushed through the design process to reach dealer lots quickly. Essentially little more than a badge-engineered GMC Yukon Denali, the SUV’s aesthetics were similar and identical to the Denali and the final vehicle was smaller than the Navigator. The Escalade’s wheels were borrowed from the Denali line, with the GMC logos on the center caps replaced with Cadillac’s crest. The Escalade also used the same 5.7 L Vortec 5700 V8 at 255 hp (190 kW). All first-generation Escalades featured Autotrac selectable 4×4.
There was no 2001 year Escalade sold for the 2001 model year. The lineup went directly from model year 2000 to 2002. This was done by introducing the 2002 model in January of 2001 while still selling the present production 2000 model year car. Rear-wheel drive was standard, as was a 5.3 L V8, with all-wheel drive and the special high-output Vortec 6.0 L V8 engine as options. All models (except for the EXT) began seating 8 people.
The “StabiliTrak” stability control system was upgraded to a four-wheel version for 2003 and power-adjustable pedals were added. For 2004, 20-inch chrome wheels (also known as dubs) were offered, and XM Satellite Radio, second-row bucket seats, and a tire pressure monitoring system were made standard on all Escalades except the EXT. The 5.3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded. Also in 2005, the Platinum edition introduced, at the price of $75.000 the Platinum Edition featured heated and cooled cup holders, 20+ chrome wheels, moon roof, three DVD screens, chrome accents on the steering wheel, and grille.
The HO Vortec takes premium fuel while the other two engines can take a lower grade.
The Escalade moved to the new GMT900 platform for the 2007 model year. Its introduction was accelerated as sales began slipping. The regular Escalade was again joined by a stretched ESV version as well as a new EXT pickup truck. The 2007 Escalade was the official vehicle of Super Bowl XL, with MVP Hines Ward being awarded one of the first Escalades produced.
The Escalade uses an all-aluminum 6.2 L Vortec V8. This pushrod engine includes variable valve timing, a first in a mass-produced non-overhead cam engine. The system adjusts both intake and exhaust timing between two settings. The engine produces 403 hp (301 kW) and 417 ft·lbf (565 N·m) of torque. A new six-speed 6L80 automatic transmission is used. The new body completes a 0.363 drag coefficient, though the large frontal area badly affects aerodynamics.
The Escalade has gone under two minor changes for the 2008 model year. On the automatic trunk button, the “off” signal has changed from an “O” to the word “off.” Also, the word “Escalade” has gone from the left side of the trunk lid to the right side. Another change was that it started seating 9.
One major new feature absent from the production vehicle is American Axle’s “I-Ride” rear independent suspension module. Instead, a conventional five-link suspension is used.
Production of the redesigned Escalade began at Arlington Assembly in January 2006. It is priced from US$57,280, though the rear-wheel drive version at this price was not produced until August. The more expensive all-wheel drive version was produced first, followed by the long wheelbase ESV and EXT pickup (the latter sourced from the Silao, Mexico, plant) in June.
The Escalade EXT has been outsold by the Lincoln Mark LT luxury pickup truck right from its launch for the 2006 model year. The new 2007 EXT, however, has gained consistently on its Lincoln competitor and edged past the latter in March, May, October and December 2007 sales, yet ending the calendar year stll lagging by 5% with 7,967 units sold (Mark LT sales were 8,382) A special Platinum ESV model will follow in 2007. GM’s Active Fuel Management will come in 2008.
A Hybrid version debuted at the 2008 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami, and goes on sale in 2008 as a 2009 model.
The Escalade can accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg (16.8 L/100 km) in the city and 19 mpg (12.4 L/100 km) on the highway.
The Escalade EXT pickup truck (released alongside its twin, the Chevrolet Avalanche) was introduced in 2002 from the Cadillac division of General Motors. It features a “Convert-a-Cab” composite pickup bed that can be expanded into the truck’s cab through a bottom-hinged door. Like the Avalanche, the EXT has four full-size doors and seating for five. The EXT was only offered with the 6.0 L High Output engine. high-intensity discharge headlights were offered for 2003. The Escalade EXT also appears in the movie, The Matrix Reloaded along with the CTS in product placement ads. All Escalade EXTs are built in Silao, Mexico.
The Escalade EXT (based on the Cadillac Escalade) was created as a direct competitor to the failed Lincoln Blackwood, a luxury pickup truck based on the Ford F-150. Currently, it competes with the soon-to-be-discontinued Lincoln Mark LT, another F-150-based pickup truck that made its debut in 2006.
GMT800 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT
The Escalade has quickly become an easily recognizable presence in pop culture, where it is commonly identified with hip hop culture. It has been featured in many hip hop music videos. Comedian Bernie Mac drives an Escalade on his hit sitcom, The Bernie Mac Show, continuing the brand’s popularity among TV stars and stand up comedians. Tony Soprano began driving a black Escalade during season 5 of The Sopranos, and after wrecking it in order to avoid a raccoon in the road, he quickly replaced it with a white one. The Escalade was also mentioned in an episode of Family Guy as God’s vehicle of choice. Also, the Twins in the Matrix Reloaded drive an Escalade EXT in the car chase sequence. Kendra Wilkinson, one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends, drives an Escalade and she is often seen driving it and car-washing on the E! reality show The Girls Next Door. Second generation Escalades are featured in video games Midnight Club 3: DUB Edition and Need for Speed: Underground 2.