Cadillac Cimarron Moels & History 1985
Cadillac’s compact received a major revision for 1985 but went on sale a little later than usual. Production of the 1984 models was extended into autumn 1985, to take advantage of the existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, which were to grow more stringent for the coming year. An optional V-6 engine finally arrived for mid-year models, to deliver a much-needed performance boost. The new 173 cu. in. (2.8 liter) high-output V-6 with fuel injection was built by Chevrolet.
Cimarron sales continued sluggish, but style and performance alterations were made to try to draw some younger customers. The restyled body also was intended to give Cimarron more of a Cadillac look. Prices began just under $13,000, well under other Caddies but a good deal higher than Chevrolet’s Cavalier and the other J-bodied GM models.
Stabilizer bars grew longer this year, and front springs became stiffer. Outside, Cimarron’s front end grew by almost 5 inches. The new crosshatch grille reached out to black inner surfaces for headlamp bezels, which were positioned differently from before. Styled aluminum wheels were available for the first time, as an option.
Standard transmission was a five-speed manual gearbox, with three-speed automatic or four-speed manual optional. Standard equipment included
- air conditioning
- AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna
- center armrests
- overhead assist handles
- power brakes and steering
- bumper guards and rub strips
- digital clock
- power door locks
- electric defoggers (rear and side window)
- halogen headlamps and foglamps
- tinted glass
- electric remote mirrors
Inside were leather reclining bucket seats (driver’s side six-way power adjustable), a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, tachometer, power windows, and power trunk release. All that and more helped to justify Cimarron’s hefty price tag.
Cimarron D’Oro added fine-line gold accent stripes on beltline, hood center and rub strips; gold-accented grille and wheels; foglamp covers; lower bodyside accent moldings; saddle leather seats; plus gold-tinted hood ornament, steering wheel spokes and horn pad emblem. D’Oro bodies were either red or white, with plaques on front fender and dash.
| Model | Series Number | Body/Style Number | Body Type | Seating | Factory Price | Shipping Weight | Production Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cimarron (Four) | 6J | G69 | 4-dr Sedan | 5 P | $12,662 (4-cyl) / 13,522 (6-cyl) | 2630 lb | 19,890 |
| ENGINE |
|---|
| Type | Inline. OHV Four-cylinder. Cast iron block and head | 60-degree, overhead-valve V-6. Cast iron block and head |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 121 cu. in. (2.0 liters) | 173 cu. in. (2.8 liters) |
| Bore & stroke | 3.50 x 3.15 in. | 3.50 x 2.99 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Brake horsepower | 88 at 4800 R.P.M. | 125 at 4800 R.P.M. |
| Torque | 110 lbs.-ft. at 2400 R.P.M. | 155 lbs.-ft. at 3600 R.P.M. |
| Main bearings | Five | Four |
| Valve lifters | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Fuel supply | Throttle Body Injection | Multi-port fuel injection |
| CHASSIS |
|---|
- Wheelbase: 101.2 in. (2571 mm)
- Overall length: 177.9 in. (4518 mm)
- Height: 52.0 in. (1321 mm)
- Width: 65.04 in. (1652 mm)
- Front Tread: 55.4 in. (1406 mm)
- Rear Tread: 55.2 in. (1401 mm)
- Turning Diameter (wall-to-wall): 38.8 ft (11.8 M)
- Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb): 35.3 ft (10.8 M)
- Curb weight with standard engine: 2538 lb (1151.4 kg)
- Standard Tires: P195/7OR13 SBR
- Wheels: Aluminum Alloy 13″x5.5″
- Seating capacity: 2 front/3 rear
- Front headroom: 38.2″ (971 mm)
- Rear headroom: 37.6″ (954 mm)
- Front legroom: 42.2″ (1072 mm)
- Rear legroom: 34.3″ (871 mm)
- Front hip room: 49.1″ (1247 mm)
- Rear hip room: 49.0″ (1245 mm)
- Front shoulder room: 53.1″ (1348 mm)
- Rear shoulder room: 53.1″ (1349 mm)
| TECHNICAL |
|---|
| Feature | Standard on 4-cyl | Standard on 6-cyl | Optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Five-speed, floor shift manual | Four-speed manual | three-speed Turbo Hydra-matic (THM125C) |
| Gear ratios | (1st) 3.92:1; (2nd) 2.15:1; (3rd) 1.33: 1; (4th) 0.92:1; (5th) 0.74:1; (Rev) 3.50:1 | (1st) 3.31:1: (2nd) 1.95:1; (3rd) 1.95:1: (4th) 0.90:1; (Rev) 3.42:1. | (1st) 2.84:1; (2nd) 1.60:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1 |
| final drive ratio | 3.83:1 | 3.65:1 | 3.18:1 |
| Steering | rack-and-pinion, 14:1 | ||
| Front suspension | Touring, with MacPherson struts | ||
| Rear suspension | semi-independent, trailing arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar | ||
| Front Brakes | disc, 9.724″x0.866″ (247×22 mm) | ||
| Rear Brakes | drum, 7.874″x1.771″ (200×45 mm) | ||
| Fuel tank | 13.6 US gal (11.3 Imp gal) (51.5 liters) | ||
| DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS |
|---|
- 173 cu. in. (2.8-liter) V-6 engine ($560)
- California emission equipment ($99)
- Engine block heater ($20)
- Heavy-duty battery: ($26)
- Heavy Duty radiator: ($45)
- Four-speed manual trans.: ($75 credit)
- Three-speed automatic trans.: ($350)
- Delco/Bilstein suspension: ($100); required with V-6
| OPTION PACKAGES |
|---|
- Cimarron D’Oro ($975)
| CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS |
|---|
- Vista Vent with rear tilt ($310)
- Digital instrument cluster ($238)
- Garage door opener ($165)
- Six-way power passenger seat ($225)
- Twilight Sentinel ($85)
- Twin lighted vanity mirrors ($95)
- Seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette ($223)
- Delete radio ($151 credit)
- Lower bodyside accent moldings ($450)
- Door edge guards ($25)
- License frame, rear ($15)
- Decklid luggage rack ($130)
- Cloth upholstery ($100 credit)
- Carpeted rubber floor mats: front ($38); rear ($22)
- Trunk mat ($26)
- Aluminum wheels, 14 in. ($40)
- P195/70RI3 SBR WSW tires ($55)
- P205/6ORl4 SBR Eagle GT ($94)
- P205/6ORl4 SBR OWL tires ($171)
The following lines appeared in the Cimarron brochure for 1985:
