Cadillac Eldorado history 1994

Cadillac Eldorado Models & History 1994

Missing from the Eldorado lineup was the previously offered Sport Coupe that could be ordered either with a Sport Appearance Package (SAP) or Sport Performance Package (SPP – of which the SAP was included).

  • The Eldo series now consisted of the “base” coupe and Eldorado Touring Coupe (ETC).
  • The Northstar 4.6-liter V-8 and 4T8O-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with viscous converter clutch remained the power source for the ETC and replaced the 4.9-liter V-8 and 4T60-E transmission previously standard in the Eldo coupe.
  • The short/long arm rear suspension introduced the year before was upgraded with an aluminum alloy lower control arm replacing the previous cast iron unit.
  • This resulted in reduced unsprung mass, which enhanced ride quality.
  • Also new were urethane engine cradle mounts that reduced powertrain vibration.
  • Road sensing suspension was now standard on Eldorado as it was previously on the Touring Coupe.
  • Other new features included
    • a leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel
    • timer and reset buttons that allowed the driver to clock driving time using “stopwatch” functions
    • the DEFOG feature of the Climate Control system
    • trunk convenience net
    • the HD6 air conditioning compressor (for use of R-134a refrigerant)
  • New standard safety equipment included
    • anti-lockout automatic door locking with central door unlocking
    • remote keyless entry
  • Nuance leather seating was optional in the Eldo and four new colors were available: Dark Blue, Mocha. Dark Cherry and Beechwood.
  • Interior noise levels were reduced in 1994 due to the use of thicker front fender closeout panes and cotton sound-absorbing added to door panels and rear package shelf.
  • Windshield thickness was also increased .9mm for enhanced isolation of wind noise.
  • Outside a “32V Northstar” badge was located on the decklid and dual exhaust outlets were also new.
  • Eldos were available in 13 exterior color choices including the new Calypso Green, Mocha, and Light and Medium Montana Blue.
  • ETC models offered 11 exterior color choices including the new Medium Montana Blue, Mocha, Calypso Green, Platinum, and Frost Beige.

The Eldorado Touring Coupe is designed to create a higher standard of driving satisfaction through the strength and agility of its exclusive Northstar System: a union of powertrain, suspension, and safety features that allows it to function like your partner on the highway — a responsive companion to you, the driver.

The Eldorado Touring Coupe, with the Northstar System is in tune with a more international driving style because its 295-horsepower Northstar V8 gives you sustained response, even at highway speeds. The technology within is a showcase on any road, in any country.

Inside the Eldorado Touring Coupe, every detail focuses on your need for control and refinement. The aesthetics of a personal performance car are most pronounced, from the backlit analogue gauges and hand-finished Zebrano wood to the enhanced safety of dual front air bags. There’s exceptional comfort too, with patented power lumbar supports that adjust to the precise height and depth you require to provide optimum back support. Cadillac’s philosophy of promoting a union of the driver and the driving has resulted in the creation of a higher standard of motoring excellence. Easy-to-read analogue instrumentation is housed under a gently curved panel designed to orient you to the road.

Eldorado creates a higher standard of expression for the North American driver. From its 270-hp Northstar V8 to its new dual elliptical exhaust outlets, one ride lets you know: This is a luxury coupe that responds to those who demand a higher standard of performance and refined comfort.

V.I.N. DATA

The 1994 Cadillac had a 17-symbol vehicle identification number (VIN) stamped on a metal tag attached to the upper left surface of the cowl visible through the windshield. The digits of the code were as follows:
First digit = “1” or “4” = manufacturing country (United States)
Second = “G” = General Motors
Third = “6” = Cadillac
Fourth & fifth = car line/series

  • E/L = Eldorado
  • E/T = Eldorado Touring
Sixth = the body style: 1 = two-door coupe
Seventh = the restraint code:

  • 1 = active (manual) belts
  • 2 = active (manual) belts w/dual airbags
  • 3 = active (manual) belts w/driver’s side airbag
  • 4 = passive (automatic) belts
  • 5 = passive (automatic) belts w/driver’s side airbag
Eighth = the engine:

  • Y = LD8 4.6L V-8
  • 9 = L37 4.6L V-8
Ninth = check digit
10th = model year, “R” for 1994
11th = the assembly plant
The remaining six digits identify the production sequence number

STYLE

Series Body/Style Body Type Factory Price Shipping Weight Prod. Total
EL1 L57 2-dr. Coupe $37,290 3774 lb 24,947
ET1 T57 2-dr. Touring Coupe $40,590 3819 lb

ENGINE

Feature Eldorado Eldorado Touring Coupe
Type 90-degree, dual overhead cam Northstar V-8
Block Aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners
Heads aluminum cylinder heads
Displacement 279 cu. in. (4.6 liters)
Bore & Stroke 3.66 x 3.31 in.
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Brake horsepower 270 @ 5600 rpm 295 @ 6000 rpm
Torque 300 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm 290 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm
Lifters Direct acting hydraulic tappets
Fuel Injection Tuned sequential-port fuel injection
Recommended fuel Premium unleaded

CHASSIS

Feature Eldorado ETC
Wheelbase 108.0 in.(2743 mm) 108.0 in. (2743 mm)
Overall Length 202.2 in. (5136 mm) 202.2 in (5136 mm)
Height 53.9 in. (1370 mm) 53.9 in. (1370 mm)
Width 75.5 in. (1918 mm) 75.5 in. (1918 mm)
Front Tread 60.9 in. (1546 mm) 60.9 in. (1546 mm)
Rear Tread 60.9 in. (1546 mm) 60.9 in. (1546 mm)
Wheels Specific 16″ x 7″ cast aluminum
Standard Tires Michelin XW4 P225/60R16 all-season M+S blackwall radials Goodyear Eagle GA P225/60ZR16 all-season M+S blackwall radials
Drag coefficient 0.33 0.33
Curb Weight 1712 kg (3773 lb) 1732 kg (3818 lb)
Luggage capacity 433 liters (15.3 cu. ft.) 433 liters (15.3 cu. ft.)

DRIVETRAIN

Feature Eldorado ETC
Transmission 4T80-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic (includes viscous converter clutch)
Clutch Cadillac exclusive viscous converter clutch Pulse-width-modulated torque converter clutch
Final drive ratio 3.11 : 1 3.71 : 1
Steering Electronically controlled Speed-sensitive, power assisted rack-and-pinion; 15.6:1 ratio
Front Suspension independent MacPherson strut with coil springs. strut-type shock absorbers and stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension Fully independent coil springs, short/long arm w/automatic level control and electronic variable dampers w/road sensing suspension
Brakes Bosch ABSIIU four-channel anti-lock; power four-wheel disc
Body Construction integral body frame
Fuel tank capacity 76 liters (20.0 US gal) (16.7 Imp. gal)

OPTIONS

V4C Sport Int. Pkg. $146
Alarm Syst. (std on Touring Coupe) $295
Bodyside Striping (Eldo) $75
Heated Front Seats $120
Astroroof $1,550
Heated Windshield $309
Leather Seating (std on Touring Coupe) $650
Power Lumbar Support (std on Touring Coupe) $292
Auto Day/Night Mirror (std on Touring Coupe) $87
White Diamond Paint $500
Delco-Bose Sound Syst. w/CD & Cassette $972
P225/60R16 WSW Tires(Eldo) $76
Chrome Wheels $1,195.

HISTORICAL NOTES

  • Cadillac’s model year production totaled 219,485 compared with 225,830 the year previous
  • Based on sales of 210,686 automobiles in 1994 (vs. 204,159 the year before), Cadillac’s share of the U.S., market was 2.3 percent compared with 2.4 the year previous.
  • The Cadillac LSE (Luxury Sedan Euro-Style) show car was exhibited at the major 1994 auto shows.
  • The LSE, a five-passenger sedan finished in Ruby Red was, according to Cadillac, the vision for an entry-level luxury sedan for the mid-1990s.
  • It was powered by a 3.0-liter dual overhead cam V-6 rated at 200 horsepower, and its wheelbase measured 107.5 inches.
  • The aim of the LSE was to broaden Cadillac’s appeal to young, affluent buyers.