106-670: The Cadillac Catera is a four-door, five passenger, rear-wheel drive luxury sedan marketed from 1996 until 2001 by Cadillac over a single generation in the United States , Canada and GCC . As a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega B , the Catera was manufactured by Opel in Rüsselsheim , Germany, and was underpinned by GM's V-body platform . Approximately 95,000 units were built and sold over five model years. The Catera
212-529: A Buick -derived 3.8-litre V6 between 1988 and 2004 or 5.0-litre V8 between 1988 and 1999, both manufactured by Holden , to a new 3.6-litre V6 from 2004 also built and exported by Holden and fully imported Chevrolet V8 engines, beginning with a 5.7 litre version in 1999, upgraded to a 260 kW 6.0 litre version in 2006. These vehicles were equally available in New Zealand. In the United Kingdom,
318-623: A rebadged variant of the Saab 9-3 and was offered in both sedan and station wagon configurations. In 2005, the Cadillac STS was introduced as the successor to the Cadillac Seville , which beginning in 1988 was available as an upscale performance-oriented STS (for Seville touring sedan) version, and comfort-oriented SLS (for Seville luxury sedan). The following year, STS received Cadillac's then-new Northstar System , including
424-585: A "common rail" fuel system. In an effort to better compete with the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class , Opel decided to install a V8 engine into what was at the time their flagship model, the Opel Omega. Prototypes of sedan and station wagon versions were built (equipped with multimedia systems, and named V8.com). The V8.com concept car project was meant to be a "mobile office" it
530-647: A 1977 feature only (although they would re-appear in 1987). Coupe de Ville's popular "Cabriolet" option, priced at $ 348, included a rear-half padded vinyl roof covering and opera lamps. An optional electronic fuel-injected version of the standard 7.0-liter powerplant, adding 15 horsepower (11 kW), was available for an additional $ 647. Sales figures were 138,750 Coupe de Villes and 95,421 Sedan de Villes for an all-time sales record of 234,171 DeVilles sold. With these downsizings, fuel economy and handling improved. In 1979, Cadillac's flagship Eldorado coupe would downsize. The 1980s saw further downsizing of many models including
636-519: A committee—set up to decide whether the Cadillac brand would live on—to revoke that policy. After the policy was eliminated, brand sales increased by 70% in 1934, and Dreystadt was promoted to lead the entire Cadillac Division. By 1940, Cadillac sales had risen tenfold compared to 1934. In 1936, Dreystadt released the Series 60 as Cadillac's entry into the mid-priced vehicle market. It was replaced by
742-560: A facelift of the B. It was distinguished by minor revisions to the front and rear styling, centre console, and the introduction of an electronic stability program . Gradually, new engines of slightly larger displacement also replaced the earlier ones; the new ones were generally Euro 3 emissions compliant. Major changes: The engines were not a major departure from the Omega A, aside from the shift from Opel's own (outdated) 2.3-liter diesel to BMW's M51 turbocharged inline-six. Originally with
848-461: A high-performance version of the Omega built in cooperation with Lotus . This version was named the Lotus Omega or Lotus Carlton depending on whether the base car was sold as an Opel Omega or Vauxhall Carlton in their respective European markets. The car was built using a variety of parts from other GM suppliers and manufacturers. The engine was based on Opel's standard 3.0-litre, 24-valve, which
954-508: A higher roofline, resulting in a vehicle that was more than nine inches shorter, four inches narrower, and half a ton lighter than the previous year, but with a larger trunk and more headroom and legroom. These were also the first DeVilles to be marketed without fender skirts over the rear wheels. The 500 in V8 (which produced 190 horsepower) was replaced for 1977 by a 180-horsepower 425 in V8 variant of similar design. The reduction in size and weight
1060-469: A larger differential from Holden's Commodore with a 45% LSD, whereas the gearbox was a six-speed manual ZF gearbox fitted to the Corvette ZR1 . The tyres were custom made by Goodyear, and can be recognised by the small Greek letter Ω ( Omega ) on the side. These were required, as this car could reach 280 to 300 km/h (174 to 186 mph), which made this Omega the world's fastest production sedan at
1166-610: A package of performance features introduced in mid-1992 that coupled variable valve timing , road sensing suspension, variable power steering and four-wheel disc brakes to the Division's high-output and high-torque Northstar engines. For 1992, the Seville was redesigned to better compete with luxury performance sedans from Europe and had adopted some styling cues from the 1988 Cadillac Voyage concept car. It also made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list that year. A year later,
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#17327808536861272-584: A rear spoiler. The car had a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph), and accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 8.8 seconds. The catalyzed version of the engine originally only had 156 PS (115 kW). The uncatalyzed model was discontinued in August 1988. In countries where the Omega 3000 was sold as a Vauxhall , it was called the Carlton GSi 3000. In October 1989, the Omega 3000 received an optional new engine with 24 valves, two overhead camshafts , and
1378-669: A replacement for the final version of the Opel Rekord , which had been in production since 1978. Sales began in November. The body was designed as an evolution of the previous Opel design theme engineered more towards aerodynamics in view of higher fuel prices and the general drive towards more fuel efficiency. The result was a remarkable drag coefficient of 0.28 (0.32 for the Caravan). The whole development program cost 2.5 billion Deutschmarks or £1.5 billion. The UK market version of
1484-406: A variable intake manifold (Opel Dual Ram system). It also used a more advanced engine control unit . Power increased to 204 PS (150 kW), which increased top speed to 240 km/h (149 mph), and 0–100 km/h time dropped to 7.6 seconds. At the same time, output of the catalyzed two-valve version increased to 177 PS (130 kW), the same as the uncatalyzed original. This
1590-404: Is Lisa Catera?"—in response to the Catera tagline "Lease a Catera." He introduced a character named Dr. Lisa Catera, played by Stacy Edwards . Coincidentally, the main demographic of Chicago Hope viewers were exactly the same demographic Cadillac hoped to attract with the Catera, and Cadillac/General Motors management responded extremely positively to the reference, becoming the main advertiser on
1696-548: Is a division of the American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM) that designs and builds luxury vehicles . Its major markets are the United States, Canada and China. Cadillac models are distributed in 34 additional markets worldwide. Historically, Cadillac automobiles were at the top of the luxury field within the United States, but have been outsold by European luxury brands including BMW and Mercedes since
1802-719: The vollgasfest test. The solution to this problem would take longer than the planned production of the Omega. Holden did equip its Commodore (which was a reengineered Omega for Australian market) with the same V8 engine. A version of this platform was used for the Holden Monaro , which was marketed in the United States as the fourth-generation Pontiac GTO , and in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monaro. These Australian sedans are larger in all body dimensions and have featured less sophisticated suspension designs, different interior styling, and powertrains ranging from
1908-554: The American Expeditionary Force in World War I . General Motors of Canada had built Cadillacs from 1923 until 1936 and LaSalles from 1927 until 1935. Pre-World War II Cadillacs were well-built, powerful, mass-produced luxury cars aimed at an upper-class market. In the 1930s, Cadillac added cars with V12 and V16 engines to their range, many of which were fitted with custom coach-built bodies. In
2014-560: The Autobahn for long periods of time. While cooling was resolved by using the larger Holden Commodore radiator, the transmission problem remained. The Chevrolet Corvette (C5) had a transaxle transmission; the only gearbox suitable for the Omega V8 was the GM 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission. However, the transmission's flexplate repeatedly broke at 250 km/h (155 mph) during
2120-641: The Cadillac XLR roadster. Cadillac's model lineup mostly included rear- and all-wheel-drive sedans, roadsters, crossovers and SUVs. The only exceptions were the front-wheel drive compact executive Cadillac BLS (which was not sold in North America) and the Cadillac DTS , neither of which is still in production. The Cadillac BLS was developed by Saab in Trollhättan , Sweden. The BLS was
2226-594: The Family II design, whilst the six-cylinder units and the 2.4 L four-cylinder were based on the older Opel cam-in-head engine family. In Brazil, the car was sold as the Chevrolet Omega and powered by 2.0 L I4 (C20NE and C20YE) or 3.0 L I6 (C30NE) Opel engines until 1994. Since the discontinuation of the Omega A in Germany, General Motors do Brasil needed new engines to continue production and
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#17327808536862332-472: The Lincoln Navigator and luxury SUVs from various import brands. In 2000, Cadillac introduced a new design philosophy for the 21st century called "Art and Science", which it states "incorporates sharp, sheer forms and crisp edges—a form vocabulary that expresses bold, high-technology design and invokes the technology used to design it." This new design language spread from the original CTS and to
2438-578: The M41 Walker Bulldog army tank, which saw service in the Korean and Vietnam wars . In 1953, the "Autronic Eye" was introduced. This feature would automatically dim high-beam headlamps for the safety of oncoming motorists. In 1957, Cadillac attempted to move further upmarket, creating the hand-built Series 70 Eldorado Brougham . It featured self-levelling suspension , "memory seat" function, and an all-transistor signal-seeking car radio that
2544-487: The Northstar engine , which was a family of high-performance 90° V engines produced by General Motors from 1991 to 2010. Regarded as GM's most technically complex engine, the original double overhead cam, four valve per cylinder, aluminum block/aluminum head V8 design was developed by Oldsmobile's R&D, but is most associated with Cadillac's Northstar series. The related Northstar System was Cadillac's trademarked name for
2650-859: The Opel Senator as GM's executive car offering in European markets. The Vauxhall version was the first to feature the brand's corporate 'V' grille which also appeared on the facelifted MK3 Astra later in 1994. This was 1995 Semperit Irish Car of the Year in Ireland, and 1995 RJC Car of the Year for Import Car of the Year in Japan. Leaked images of a design studio mockup , featuring Opel badges and "D" plates, emerged in Europe in February 1990. The media at
2756-574: The Runabout and Tonneau , were completed in October 1902. They were two-seat horseless carriages powered by a 10 hp (7 kW) single-cylinder engine . They were practically identical to the 1903 Ford Model A . Many sources say the first car rolled out of the factory on October 17; in the book Henry Leland—Master of Precision , the date is October 20; another reliable source shows car number three to have been built on October 16. Cadillac displayed
2862-595: The Series 61 in 1939, but a popular model that was derived from it, the Sixty Special , continued through 1993. Another factor helped boost Cadillac growth over the next few years: a revolution in assembly-line technology. In 1934, Henry F. Phillips introduced the Phillips screw and screwdriver to the market. He entered into talks with General Motors and convinced the Cadillac group his new screws would speed assembly times and therefore increase profits. Cadillac
2968-411: The dual-plane V8 crankshaft in 1918. In 1928 Cadillac introduced the first clashless Synchro-Mesh manual transmission , utilizing constant mesh gears. In 1930 Cadillac implemented the first V-16 engine, with a 45-degree overhead valve, 452 cubic inches (7.41 litres), and 165 horsepower (123 kW), one of the most powerful and quietest engines in the United States. The development and introduction of
3074-517: The "turret top", the first all-steel roof on a passenger car. Previously, car roofs had been made out of fabric-covered wood. The Great Depression sapped the auto industry generally, with the luxury market declining more steeply; between 1928 and 1933, Cadillac sales declined by 84% to 6,736 vehicles. Exacerbating sales performance for the Cadillac brand was a policy, reflective of the times, which discouraged sales to African Americans. Nick Dreystadt, mechanic and national head of Cadillac service, urged
3180-415: The 111 inches used on the Seville. Production moved to Hamtramck, Michigan . Also for 1994, all DeVille models included a standard SRS driver-side front airbag, as well as fully digital instrumentation with an integrated message center, which provided important vehicle information and status, current speed, outside temperature and more, with controls mounted to the left of the instrument cluster. Also standard
3286-534: The 1920s and 1930s Cadillac and Buick vehicles were popular with longer-distance passenger service operators e.g. the Nairn Transport Company in the Middle East (Baghdad-Damascus) and Newmans Coach Lines in New Zealand. In 1926, Cadillac recruited automobile stylist Harley Earl in a one-time consulting capacity, but his employment lasted considerably longer: by 1928, Earl was the head of
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3392-501: The 1950s, Cadillac (like all American manufacturers at the time) participated in the NASCAR Grand National Series . The brand disappeared from the series by the 1960s. Opel Omega The Opel Omega is an executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker Opel between 1986 and 2004. The first generation, the Omega A (1986–1994), superseded the Opel Rekord . It was voted European Car of
3498-475: The 1965 model year (remaining vestigially only on the limited production 1965 Series 75 chassis, a carry-over from 1964). Cadillac's other distinctive styling attribute was its front-bumper. What had started out after the war as a pair of artillery shell-shaped bumper guards moved higher on the front-end design as the 1950s wore on. Becoming known as Dagmar bumpers for their similarity to the buxom 1950s television personality, they were toned down in 1958 and gone
3604-452: The 1973 model, while the Sedan deVille remained pillarless through 1976. The 1970s saw new extremes in vehicle luxury and dimension. The 1972 Fleetwood was some 1.7 in (43 mm) longer in wheelbase and 4 in (100 mm) overall, compared to the 1960 Series 75 Fleetwood ; the entry-level 1972 Calais was 2.4 in (61.0 mm) longer than the equivalent 1960 Series 62 , on
3710-451: The 2.0 L I4 was replaced by 2.2 L I4 engine (C22NE) with 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) and 197 N⋅m (145 lb⋅ft). The 3.0 L I6 was replaced by the locally produced 4.1 L (250ci) Chevrolet Straight-6 engine (C41GE) with 168 PS (124 kW; 166 hp) and 285 N⋅m (210 lb⋅ft). As fitted to the Omega, this engine was tuned by Lotus and equipped with multi port fuel injection. The Chevrolet Omega
3816-426: The 2000s. In 2019, Cadillac sold 390,458 vehicles worldwide, a record for the brand. Cadillac is among the first automotive brands in the world, fourth in the United States only to Autocar Company (1897) and fellow GM marques Oldsmobile (1897) and Buick (1899). It was named after Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac (1658–1730), who founded Detroit , Michigan . The Cadillac crest is based on his coat of arms . By
3922-464: The 70th Geneva Motor Show (2–12 March 2000). The V8-engined version was to be put on sale in Autumn 2000, but it was cancelled after 32 pre-series cars had been completed. The reasons for cancelling production plans were concerns regarding the transmission and about whether the engine was vollgasfest ( German , "full throttle resistant"). The engine might overheat and be damaged if driven flat out on
4028-712: The Brougham was discontinued and replaced by the all-new rear-wheel-drive 1993 Fleetwood. The previous front-wheel drive Fleetwood was renamed Sixty Special for 1993. That same year, the Coupe deVille was discontinued due to the declining popularity of full-size coupes. For 1994, the DeVille was redesigned to share the K-body platform with the Seville . The body was redesigned, although the wheelbase remained 113.8 inches—rather than
4134-551: The Cimarron "nearly killed Cadillac and remains its biggest shame". For the 1981 model year, the long-running "Standard of the World" slogan was changed to "An American Standard of the World". For the 1982 model year, the slogan was changed to "Best of All ... It's A Cadillac", which was used until 1986. Due to a delay in the production of the new front-drive DeVilles (which were now scheduled for release as 1985 models), 1984
4240-454: The DeVille and Fleetwood models on their 1985 FWD editions. The trip computer, available for Eldorado in 1979 and Seville in 1978 and 1979, was replaced in 1981 with the availability of digital instrumentation with some Trip Computer functions being replaced by the new digital heating and air conditioning control panel. Digital instrumentation would become available for the new FWD DeVille and Fleetwood series in 1985. In 1991, Cadillac introduced
4346-544: The DeVille, Fleetwood, Eldorado and Seville. Cadillac brought out a dramatic redesign for the Seville in 1980 featuring a bustle-back rear-end styling theme and a move to the same front-wheel-drive chassis as the Eldorado. In 1982, the Cimarron was introduced as the brand's first compact car. The Cimarron's market failure is one in a series of events throughout the 1980s and 1990s which sullied Cadillac's reputation and caused
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4452-563: The DeVille/Fleetwood on which they were based. Also in 1987, Detroit Assembly on Clark Street in Detroit , where Cadillacs had been made since 1921, was closed. The 1980s also saw the introduction of new, technology-assisted luxury features. Among these was the return of the memory seat option, not available since the 1958 Eldorado Brougham. 1981 brought standard digital heating and air conditioning controls to all models. In 1982,
4558-545: The High Technology engine was introduced. It was originally scheduled for a 1983 release, later delayed to 1985, with its intended applications being the downsized front-wheel-drive models Cadillac would introduce that year. 1983 saw the introduction of the Delco/Bose stereo system option, a US$ 895 cassette stereo system available only on the Eldorado and Seville. This Bose system would eventually become available on
4664-623: The Omega A was afforded a facelift , which encompassed slight alterations to front and rear fascias, as well as interior materials and additional sound dampening. The until then base 1.8 L engine was dropped. The LS and GLS trim levels were also dropped, while the CD was joined by Club and CD Diamant. This options package was introduced in 1988, and could be added onto the GLS, LS, and CD trim versions. It included alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted windows, stereo with cassette player, various leather trim in
4770-773: The Omega were manufactured in Australia from 1988 as the Holden Commodore (and its derivatives) since 1999. Commodore-based cars were in turn exported to South America as the Chevrolet Omega and to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina . Production of the Omega was discontinued in 2004. It was succeeded by the Opel Signum . The original Omega went into production in September 1986, as
4876-540: The Philippines, the Omega was replaced by the Chevrolet Lumina . Stories and photographs of a "new" successor appeared in the motoring press one year later. In the case of Auto Express , though, its October 2004 article simply featured the Holden Torana TT36 concept car, which itself previewed the 2006 Holden Commodore . Nevertheless, Holden contributed in the Omega badge remaining alive by it, for
4982-794: The Seville renamed the STS and the Catera replacement called the CTS . The last DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005. The new second-generation CTS-V performance sedan was introduced in 2009 as a direct competitor to the BMW M5. Powered by a supercharged OHV 6.2 L LSA V8 engine, an automatic version of the CTS-V lapped the Nürburgring in 7:59.32, at
5088-895: The United Kingdom. In Japan, the Omega A (and Vectra ) were the first Opels to be distributed by Isuzu Motors Ltd. rather than by long-standing importer Toho Motors (東邦モーターズ), beginning in July 1989. In the Isuzu lineup, it was slotted above the Isuzu Aska . All the Omega models used a longitudinally mounted engine with a rear-wheel drive setup, with a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic transmission . The engine range consisted of 1.8 L, 2.0 L, and 2.4 L four-cylinder units (as well as 2.0 L, 2.3 L diesel , and 2.3 L turbodiesel ) to 2.6 L, 3.0 L, and 3.0 L-24v six-cylinder units. The 1.8 L and 2.0 L four-cylinder petrol engines were all based on
5194-716: The V8, V16 and V12 helped to make Cadillac the "Standard of the World". A later model of the V8 engine, with overhead valves , set the standard for the entire American automotive industry in 1949. In July 1917, the United States Army needed a dependable staff car and chose the Cadillac Type 55 Touring Model after exhaustive tests on the Mexican border. 2,350 of the cars were supplied for use in France by officers of
5300-544: The Vauxhall Omega and South America as the Chevrolet Omega . As with the Rekord which preceded it, re-engineered versions of the Omega were manufactured in Australia from 1988 as the Holden Commodore (and its derivatives) since 1999. Commodore-based cars were in turn exported to South America as the Chevrolet Omega and to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina . A relative of the Catera, utilizing modified version
5406-455: The Vauxhall Omega proved to be a successful model, despite being slated in many reviews for heavy depreciation and unreliability. Omegas and Carltons were a regular sight on United Kingdom roads, sporting police livery and as covert traffic surveillance cars. However, just four years after the introduction of its latest incarnation, Omega B2 , and seventeen years since introduction of Omega A , production of this model ended. On 25 June 2003,
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#17327808536865512-401: The Year for 1987, and was available as a saloon or estate . The second generation, the Omega B, was manufactured from 1994 to 2004. Rebadged variants of the Omega were marketed worldwide, including in North America as the Cadillac Catera , in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Omega , and South America as the Chevrolet Omega . As with the Rekord which preceded it, re-engineered versions of
5618-472: The Year" wins in publicity material. On November 25, 1949, Cadillac produced its one-millionth car, a 1950 Coupe de Ville . It also set a new sales mark of 100,000 cars, matched in 1950 and 1951. 1949 also saw the introduction with Buick of the first mass-produced hardtop coupe, a closed-body style without a "B" pillar. Marketed as the Coupe de Ville, it would become one of Cadillac's most popular models for many years. In 1951, Cadillac began production of
5724-399: The all-new Pininfarina -bodied Allanté roadster came to market featuring the HT-4100 V8 engine. The Sixty Special returned in 1987 as the top owner-driven Cadillac in the front-wheel-drive GM C-body lineup, with a planned production run of just 2,000 cars. The 1987 and 1988 Sixty Specials were unique, custom-crafted automobiles, which featured a five-inch (127 mm) longer wheelbase over
5830-429: The aluminium DOHC L37 Northstar V8 engine . The STS was Cadillac's highest-priced sedan, falling in size between the mid-size CTS and full-size DTS . In 2006, the DeVille nameplate was replaced by Cadillac DTS , an abbreviation dating back to 1986, when a "DeVille Touring Sedan" package was first available. The new name brought the DeVille into line with Cadillac's Art and Science-era nomenclature, which saw
5936-461: The discontinuation of the Fleetwood in 1996. In early 2017, Cadillac launched Book By Cadillac, a vehicle subscription service which was initially available in New York City. In November 2017, it was announced that Book by Cadillac would be expanding to Dallas and Los Angeles. The Cadillac XT6, a new seven-seat luxury mid-size crossover SUV , was introduced on January 12, 2019, at the North American International Auto Show . It went on sale in
6042-438: The division's share of the US market to fall from 3.8% in 1979 to 2.2% in 1997; it is routinely cited as the nadir of GM's product planning. Automotive journalist Dan Neil included the Cimarron in his 2007 list of the "Worst cars of all time", saying "everything that was wrong, venal, lazy, and mendacious about GM in the 1980s was crystallized in this flagrant insult to the good name and fine customers of Cadillac." He added that
6148-533: The entry-level model of its new Commodore. Unlike prior models since 1978, this new Holden was no longer based on an Omega platform. Ironically, a version of this Commodore would get exported to the UK market as the Vauxhall VXR8 from 2007 to 2017, effectively becoming the flagship of the brand. Being a high-performance sports sedan, it was the first such vehicle in Vauxhall's lineup since the Lotus Carlton/Omega . As of July 2020, only 3297 Vauxhall Omegas and 306 Carltons (including some rebadged Rekords ) are left on
6254-675: The fall of 1996 as a 1997 model with a base price of $ 29,995 (equivalent to $ 58,300 in 2023). Some of the standard features on the Catera included a cloth interior, front bucket seats , dual-zone automatic climate control, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player and eight-speaker sound system, airbags , anti-lock brakes , traction control , keyless entry , security system , alloy wheels , compact spare tire , and full instrumentation. Optional equipment included leather interior, heated seats, cassette player and CD player combination, Bose premium sound system, power sunroof , Homelink , OnStar , and chrome wheels. A Sport model
6360-636: The final generation of Rekord had been marketed as the Vauxhall Carlton , and this nameplate was retained for the new car. Late in 1986, it was voted European Car of the Year for 1987, ahead of the highly acclaimed new versions of the Audi 80 and BMW 7 Series . Compared to the Rekord, the Omega featured many modern technological advances, which were new to Opel in general, if not to the volume segment European automotive market. These included electronic engine management, ABS, on-board computer (which displayed parameters such as momentary fuel consumption or average speed), air-conditioned glove compartment, and even
6466-452: The finest in the United States. Cadillac was the first volume manufacturer of a fully enclosed car, in 1906. Cadillac participated in the 1908 interchangeability test in the United Kingdom, and was awarded the Dewar Trophy for the most important advancement of the year in the automobile industry. On July 29, 1909, Cadillac was purchased by the General Motors (GM) conglomerate . Cadillac became General Motors' prestige division, devoted to
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#17327808536866572-532: The headlight bezels. In 1966, Cadillac had its best annual sales to that point, over 192,000 units (142,190 of them de Villes), an increase of more than 60%. This was exceeded in 1968, when Cadillac topped 200,000 units for the first time. The years 1967 and 1968 saw the introduction of a host of federally mandated safety features, including energy-absorbing steering columns and wheels, soft interior and instrument panel knobs and surfaces, front shoulder belts, and side marker lights. The front-wheel drive Eldorado
6678-410: The heraldic merlettes (adaptations of the martin , without legs or beaks) featured in the various iterations of Cadillac's logo from its inception through 1999. Ziggy was featured in Catera marketing through the 1998 model year, with Cadillac saying: In 1997, John Tinker, a producer of television medical drama Chicago Hope , was inspired by an inadvertent pun in a Catera commercial, saying "Who
6784-482: The interior, and a painted grille and door mirrors. It sold well and the package was kept after the facelift and a similar system with the same name was used for the Omega B. The Omega 3000 was the sports version of the Omega A model range. It featured a straight-six , 3.0 litre, 12-valve engine, which produced 177 PS (130 kW). Other modifications from the base model included a lowered suspension and limited-slip differential , as well as different fascias and
6890-430: The last Omega rolled out of the factory in Rüsselsheim – it was a silver 3.2 L V6 Omega B2, number 797,011. Following the demise of its direct rivals, the Ford Scorpio and Rover 800 , the former due to its controversial styling, Opel/Vauxhall found themselves competing against BMW's 5 Series , with minimal sales success. Apart from the Australian re-engineered Holden Commodore models that carried on until 2006 for
6996-479: The model code U25DT, this was updated to the Euro 2 compliant X25DT engine during 1996. In late 1999, the Omega received a facelift and a 2.2 L 16-valve engine was added to the range as an eventual replacement for the 2.0 L which was discontinued within a year. The following year, a 3.2 L V6 engine replaced the 3.0 L V6 unit, and a 2.6 L V6 engine replaced the 2.5 L V6 unit. 2001 brought also brand new diesel 2.5 DTI engine from BMW , with
7102-499: The new Art and Color division and he would ultimately work for GM until he retired, over 30 years later. The first car he designed was the LaSalle , a new, smaller "companion marque" car, named after another French explorer and founder of Detroit, René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. That marque remained in production until 1940. Cadillac introduced designer-styled bodywork (as opposed to auto-engineered) in 1927. It installed shatter-resistant glass in 1926. Cadillac also introduced
7208-562: The new vehicles at the New York Auto Show in January 1903, where the vehicles impressed the crowds enough to gather over 2,000 firm orders. Cadillac's biggest selling point was precision manufacturing, and therefore, reliability; a Cadillac was simply a better-made vehicle than its competitors. The Cadillac Automobile Company merged with Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing, forming The Cadillac Motor Company in 1905. From its earliest years, Cadillac aimed for precision engineering and stylish luxury finishes, causing its cars to be ranked amongst
7314-434: The next year. 1956 saw the introduction of the pillarless four-door hardtop sedan, marketed as the "Sedan de Ville"; a year later the feature appeared in all standard Cadillacs. The fledgling automotive magazine Motor Trend awarded its first " Motor Trend Car of the Year " to Cadillac in 1949 for its innovative overhead valve V8 engine . While the company initially snubbed the honor, it now proudly references its "Car of
7420-514: The plant and equipment in preparation for liquidating the company's assets. Instead, Leland persuaded the pair to continue manufacturing automobiles using Leland's proven single-cylinder engine. A new company called the Cadillac Automobile Company was established on August 22, 1902, converting the Henry Ford Company factory at Cass Street and Amsterdam Avenue. It was named after French explorer Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac , who had founded Detroit in 1701. Cadillac's first automobiles,
7526-429: The production of large luxury vehicles. The Cadillac line was also GM's default marque for "commercial chassis" institutional vehicles, such as limousines , ambulances, hearses and funeral home flower cars , the last three of which were custom-built by aftermarket manufacturers. It became positioned at the top of GM's vehicle hierarchy, above Buick , Oldsmobile , Oakland , and later, Chevrolet . In 1912, Cadillac
7632-492: The rest of GM's "B" and "C" bodied cars. In 1977, GM significantly downsized their full-sized cars. The Fleetwood Brougham lost its exclusive longer wheelbase and now rode on the same new shorter 121.5" wheelbase as the DeVille . Both Fleetwood and DeVille models were powered by the 425 cu in (7.0 L) V8s. This engine was basically a de-bored version of the 472/500 (7.9 L/8.2 L) V8 of previous years. 1977
7738-473: The road conditions. It was powered by a GM LS1 V8 engine. The car debuted at Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999. Opel was planning to upgrade its flagship Omega model with a powerful GM LS1 V8 engine used in the Chevrolet Corvette . Unlike the V8.com which was a concept car , this model was intended to go into serial production . The Omega V8 was shown publicly for the first time at
7844-721: The same Opel platform , continued to be in production until 2006. In the U.S. market, the platform was used for the Pontiac GTO , which was an almost identical derivative of the Holden Monaro coupe. Both were manufactured by GM Holden in Australia . These performance coupes were themselves derived from the sedan platform that originated in the Australian market as the VT-series Holden Commodore in 1997. Cadillac Cadillac Motor Car Division , or simply Cadillac ( / ˈ k æ d ɪ l æ k / ),
7950-414: The same wheelbase. Models gained a smoother ride while vehicle weight, standard equipment and engine displacement were all increased. Cadillac experienced record sales in 1973 and again in the late 1970s. In May 1975, the Seville was introduced as a competitor to the growing import luxury car market and was marketed as "international size". In 1977, Cadillac's D-bodies experienced the same "downsizing" as
8056-531: The sedan (wagons and utilities until 2007), production of the Omega ended in 2003. The position that the Omega held as Opel's flagship model (after the demise of the Senator ) would be taken over by the smaller Opel Signum which used an extended-length platform of the Opel Vectra and incorporated practical features of both MPVs and station wagons into one package. Remaining stocks were sold into 2004. In
8162-531: The show and giving Edwards a complimentary three-year lease on a Catera. In one episode, Edwards' character said "when you can't zig, you zag," a reference to the Catera's original marketing tagline. In Europe, the platform underpinned the Opel Omega , marketed as an executive car . Rebadged variants of the Omega were marketed worldwide. In addition to the Opel version, the car was sold in Great Britain as
8268-447: The spring of 1984, about six months earlier than most new-car introductions, so both the 1984 rear-drive and 1985 front-drive models were selling and being produced (due to separate assembly plants) at the same time for nearly half a year. 1985 saw the new front-wheel-drive DeVille and Fleetwood models released after quality delays prevented a planned 1984 model year introduction. 1986 saw new downsized Eldorado and Seville models. In 1987,
8374-533: The steel roof. The brand developed three engines, with its V8 setting the standard for the American automotive industry . Cadillac had the first U.S. car to win the Royal Automobile Club of the United Kingdom's Dewar Trophy by successfully demonstrating the interchangeability of its component parts during a reliability test in 1908; this spawned the firm's slogan "Standard of the World". It won
8480-409: The styling features that came to be synonymous with the late 1940s and 1950s American automobile. Incorporating many of the ideas of then General Motors styling chief Harley J. Earl , these included tailfins , wraparound windshields , and extensive use of chrome. Tailfins were first added in 1948 and reached their pinnacle in 1959. From 1960 to 1964 they decreased each year until they disappeared in
8586-477: The then fashionable LCD instrument cluster (available in CD version from 1987, but dropped in 1991). More importantly, the Omega came with a self-diagnosis system (which is now a standard feature in present-day cars), whose output could be read by appropriately equipped, authorised service stations. The Omega was one of the first cars to offer (individual) heated seats in the rear. The Omega was sold in most European countries, albeit with "Vauxhall Carlton" badging in
8692-862: The third quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model. Other additions to the Cadillac lineup for the 2020 model year included the CT5 mid-size luxury sedan, replacing the CTS, and the CT4 compact sedan which replaced the ATS. Performance "V" versions of the CT4 and CT5 were also added for 2020. Current Upcoming Cadillac has won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award five times: Before the outbreak of World War II , Cadillac (like most manufacturers) participated in various motorsports. Many Allard automobiles used Cadillac engines. In
8798-491: The three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission; it would become the GM standard model for several decades. Starting in the late 1960s, Cadillac offered a fiber-optic warning system to alert the driver to failed light bulbs. The use of extensive bright-work on the exterior and interior also decreased each year after 1959. By the 1966 model year, even the rear bumpers ceased to be all chrome—large portions were painted, including
8904-408: The time General Motors purchased the company in 1909, Cadillac had already established itself as one of America's premier luxury car makers. The complete interchangeability of its precision parts had allowed it to lay the foundation for the modern mass production of automobiles. It was at the forefront of technological advances, introducing full electrical systems, the clashless manual transmission and
9010-555: The time a record for production sedans. The last DTS rolled off the assembly line at 11:51 a.m. on May 27, 2011. It was replaced by the Cadillac XTS which debuted in 2012 as a 2013 model. The Cadillac ATS compact sedan also debuted in 2012 as a 2013 model and a coupe version of the ATS was added two years later. In 2016, the Cadillac CT6 was introduced and was the brand's first full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan since
9116-531: The time described the new saloon as coupé -like, speculating a release in 1992 or 1993. Meanwhile, the Cadillac Aurora (which also served as the basis for the Oldsmobile Aurora ) presented by General Motors at the 1990 Chicago Auto Show in February, was the concept car that bore close resemblance to the Omega B's eventual design style. The Omega B2 was launched in Autumn 1999 as
9222-399: The time. This was a controversial fact given that the other major German manufacturers producing high-performance cars had been fitting speed limiters to not allow maximum speeds higher than 250 km/h (155 mph). The 1,663 kg (3,666 lb) car accelerated from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds and 0–160 km/h (99 mph) in 11.5 seconds. The 1994 Omega B
9328-577: The trophy again in 1912 for incorporating electric starting and lighting in a production automobile. Cadillac was formed from the remnants of the Henry Ford Company . After a dispute between Henry Ford and his investors, Ford left the company along with several of his key partners in March 1902. Ford's financial backers William Murphy and Lemuel Bowen called in engineer Henry M. Leland of Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing Company to appraise
9434-470: Was Cadillac's 75th anniversary and saw the introduction of the downsized DeVille coupes and sedans. The redesigned Fleetwood Brougham was now similar in appearance to the lesser Sedan de Ville. Other than the name, there were only subtle exterior differences between a Fleetwood Brougham and Sedan de Ville. The interior of the Fleetwood was plusher and offered more features as standard. These new cars featured
9540-574: Was a 200 hp (149 kW) L81 54° DOHC V6 manufactured in England at GM's Ellesmere Port facility, using an FR layout . The GM 4L30-E automatic transmission was manufactured at GM's plant in Strasbourg , France . Catera launch marketing used the tagline "the Caddy that zigs," with advertising featuring supermodel Cindy Crawford and a small animated bird named "Ziggy," a reference to
9646-487: Was a dual-zone front HVAC system, with controls located to the right of the instrument cluster, and remote controls on the front passenger door panel. An SRS passenger's-side front airbag became standard equipment after a restyling in 1996, which also brought revised exterior styling and new audio systems with TheftLock coded anti-theft technology. In 1995, the high technology engine that had been used in Cadillacs since 1982
9752-622: Was a limited series model produced together with Irmscher . 500 examples were built so that Opel could compete in the DTM . The car had a three-litre straight-six engine producing 230 PS (169 kW). The car accelerated from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and had a top speed of 249 km/h (155 mph). The racing version used on the track had 380 PS (279 kW), accelerated to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 5 seconds, and could reach nearly 300 km/h (186 mph). It did not, however, achieve great success. In 1989, Opel sanctioned
9858-575: Was a re-run for the rear-wheel-drive Coupe de Ville ($ 17,140) and its four-door companion, the popular Sedan de Ville ($ 17,625). It was also the last time DeVille used the "V" emblem below the Cadillac crest, as 1985 models and on would use the crest and wreath emblem—formerly a Fleetwood and Eldorado exclusive. For 1984, sales figures show a total four-door production of 107,920 units, and an additional 50,840 two-door units (figures include de Ville and Fleetwood models). The new front-drive 1985 Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville arrived in Cadillac showrooms during
9964-421: Was an all new car with a modern exterior design, but a traditional rear-wheel drive chassis. The engine range was all new. Its MV6 model was rebadged and sold in the United States as Cadillac Catera between 1997 and 2001. The Omega B's platform was also modified to form the basis of the Australian third-generation Holden Commodore up to 2006, commencing with the 1997 VT series . This generation also helped succeed
10070-480: Was built on Omega station wagon, which was elongated by 130 mm, to provide more space for the passengers and additional equipment; it contained separate 9.5-inch LCD screens for all passengers, Internet access, and integrated video conference mobile phone system with separate cameras and microphones providing passengers hands-free operation – hence the name. The car was also equipped with xenon headlights, and Advanced Frontlighting System, automatically adjustable to
10176-418: Was discontinued. For 1997, the Catera mid-size sedan was introduced as Cadillac's new entry-level model. The Catera was a rebadged variant of the Opel Omega B and was manufactured by Opel in Rüsselsheim , Germany. The DeVille was also redesigned that year. The late 1990s saw Cadillac field its first-ever entry in the growing SUV segment. The Escalade , introduced in 1999, was marketed to compete with
10282-479: Was handed to Lotus to modify. As a result, engine capacity rose to 3.6 litres; in addition, two Garrett T25 turbochargers were installed along with a water-cooled intercooler . The engine management was also modified, and the ignition changed to an AC Delco type (same system as the Lotus Esprit uses). The result was a 377 bhp (281 kW; 382 PS) high-performance engine. This Omega also inherited
10388-542: Was implemented to improve fuel economy and emissions as a result of the United States Federal Government passage of Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations. For 1977, the lineup included the two-door Coupe de Ville ($ 9,654) and the four-door Sedan de Ville ($ 9,864). The $ 650 d'Elegance package, an interior dress-up option carried over from the previous generation of DeVilles, continued for both models. Three-sided, wrap-around tail lamps were
10494-424: Was increased to 500 cu in (8.2 L) for the 1970 Eldorado. It was adopted across the model range beginning in 1975. Driver and front passenger airbags ("Air Cushion Restraint System") began to be offered on some Cadillac, as well as other Buick and Oldsmobile luxury models, in 1974, however this option was unpopular as was discontinued after the 1976 model year. The pillarless Coupe deVille ended with
10600-467: Was launched in 1967, setting a new standard for a personal luxury car . Its simple, elegant design was a far cry from the tailfin and chrome of the 1950s. Cadillac's success grew against rivals Lincoln and Imperial , which had division sales topping all of Chrysler for the first time in 1970. The new 472 cu in (7.7 L) engine that debuted in the 1968 model year, designed for an ultimate capacity potential of 600 cu in (9.8 L),
10706-444: Was offered beginning in 1999 with eight-way power adjustable seats, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, driver's seat memory, audible theft-deterrent system, three-channel garage door opener, high-intensity discharge headlamps , and a rear spoiler. The Catera received a facelift in 2000 with revised nose, tail, wheels, interior trim, mirrors, optional HID headlamps, stiffer suspension settings, and side airbags. The model's engine
10812-588: Was previewed at the Detroit Auto Show in 1994 as the Cadillac LSE concept, proposed by Cadillac as an entry-level model that would compete with sedans from Acura , BMW , Infiniti , Lexus , Jaguar , Volvo , and Mercedes-Benz . In 1996, an early-production model was shown at the Detroit, Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto auto shows. Cadillac began marketing the Catera in the United States in
10918-441: Was produced by GM's Delco Radio and which was available as standard equipment for the 1957 Eldorado Brougham models. While the car showed Cadillac's technological prowess, it sold only 904 units. The dual-reservoir brake master cylinder, with separate front and rear hydraulic systems, was introduced in 1962, six years ahead of the federal requirement. The first fully automatic heater– air conditioning system also appeared, as did
11024-406: Was produced until 1998. The four basic trim levels were LS, GL, GLS, and CD (from least to most expensive). The base LS was clearly intended for the fleet market, with the sedan unavailable to individual customers in some markets. The LS Caravan was also available as a panel van with rear side windows covered, with body-coloured foil rather than replaced by solid panels. For the 1991 model year,
11130-539: Was the first automaker to use the Phillips technology, in 1937, which was widely adopted in 1940. For the first time in many years all cars built by the company shared the same basic engine and drivetrain in 1941. 1941 also saw the introduction of optional Hydra-Matic , the first mass-produced fully automatic transmission , offered the previous year on the Oldsmobile . Postwar Cadillac vehicles innovated many of
11236-430: Was the first automobile manufacturer to incorporate an electrical system enabling starting , ignition , and lighting. In 1915, Cadillac introduced a 90-degree flathead V8 engine with 70 horsepower (52 kW) at 2400 rpm and 180 pound force-feet (240 N⋅m) of torque , allowing its cars to attain 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). This was faster than most roads could accommodate at this time. Cadillac pioneered
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