Cadillac History 2000

Cadillac Models & History 2000

DeVille Introduction When you first spot Cadillac’s all-new DeVille you may mistake it for a Mercedes. But this will only last a moment. Quickly you will realize it is indeed a Cadillac. Yet it’s like no Cadillac you’ve seen before. You may be slightly embarrassed that you made the mistake. You may even be embarrassed when you admit to yourself that you like the looks of this car. But there’s no need for red faces here, for the new DeVille is worthy of your admiration. The DeVille has been totally redesigned and re-engineered for model year 2000. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote It has been a long while since we could, in good conscience, recommend a Cadillac. Cadillac says it has melded art and science into an automobile that is reduced in exterior dimensions yet offers an expansive, comfortable interior. Lineup The 2000 DeVille is offered in three distinct models. The lineup begins with the DeVille ($39,500). It moves up through the DeVille High-Luxury Sedan or DHS ($44,700) and the DeVille Touring Sedan or DTS ($44,700). Each vehicle has its own character and features. The standard DeVille has attributes aimed toward the traditional DeVille owner who wants to balance luxury and value. Both DeVille and DHS come with a full bench front seat for six-passenger capacity, while the DTS has dual bucket front seats. Traditional Cadillac buyers prefer digital instrumentation over analog, so the DeVille receives digital while the DHS and DTS get analog (dial) instruments that are sometimes preferred by enthusiast drivers. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote The “Nuance” leather on each model is designed differently to match the tastes of different buyers, yet all of them offers a very supple fit and feel. Where the DHS has elegant gathered leather upholstery, the DTS has stretched perforated skins for a sporty look. The DHS and DTS share many features including their retail prices. As the names of these two upper scale DeVilles imply, one stresses luxury while the other highlights a sportier driving experience. Walkaround The 2000 DeVille is the first Cadillac to be solely designed using AutoStudio, a computer-aided design tool. Immediately apparent with the new DeVille is the front-end design with large front lighting clusters giving all three models a bold appearance. A large grille extends between the headlights, providing an appropriate field for the traditional Cadillac wreath and crest on the DHS and DHS. The standard DeVille retains the more traditional upright hood ornament. From the profile the DeVille still looks all Cadillac. Large doors, body panels and expansive glass are broken only by a highlight trim piece along the lower section. Large, full-arch wheel wells are filled by 16-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires on DeVille and DHS or 17-inch wheels and performance tires on DTS. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote From the rear, the DeVille continues to carry the traditional Cadillac ambiance, but it looks much more contemporary. This look is more powerfully sent home at night when the LED taillights create a thin vertical line that even though the fins of yesteryear are gone, suggest they are still in Cadillac designers’ hearts. LED lights also serve a practical propose: They are easier to see and light up much faster than normal incandescent lighting, which can help reduce the chance of a rear-end collision when used as brake lights. Interior Once behind the wheel you forget that Cadillac has told you this is a smaller car. It is 3 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower, but from the driver’s seat the DeVille feels as roomy as ever, if not more so. Heated front seats are available, as is a four-way power lumbar on the standard DeVille with a massaging lumbar on DHS or DTS. Adaptive front seating uses 10 individual air cells that conform to the occupant’s body, changing the seat contours every 10 seconds if necessary. The DeVille is so roomy that Cadillac plans to market it as a limousine. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote Indeed, the rear seat is inviting and comfortable. There is plenty of room available as you open the rear doors and climb in. Legroom seems endless, even with the front seat at its rearmost position, the tallest of our testers could easily sit here. Independent climate controls for rear passengers are provided that offer both fan and temperature adjustments. Driving Impressions There are not just one or two areas that excel while driving the new DeVille, there are many. One new technology that has us completely enthralled is Cadillac’s Night Vision Infrared system, which could revolutionize nighttime driving. Based on military systems used during the Vietnam and Pursian Gulf conflicts, infrared technology makes seeing wild animals, abandoned vehicles or pedestrians at night a snap. Reaching into the darkness far past what present headlight systems illuminate, Night Vision can greatly enhance safety. Here’s how Night Vision works: An infrared camera mounted in the center of the grille transmits an image about the size of a rear-view mirror onto the lower portion of the windshield. (It’s sort of like the head-up display used in fighter aircraft.) The image position is adjustable; it can be raised or lowered and the intensity can be changed. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote During our drive we found it easy to get used to having the Night Vision image projected in the lower area of the windshield. We began to use it just like a rear view mirror, glancing at it often to see if the path was clear. This technology will even add a bit of security in other ways. We were able to easily detect one of our journalistic cohorts hiding in the bushes near our hotel. Driving has become much more adventurous in the newest DeVille, especially the DTS, which, of course, we found much more to our liking. Advanced designs in the suspension combined with a more rigid body structure and electronic stabilization have made the DeVille a better handling and better riding vehicle. Utilizing aluminum suspension components has lowered unsprung weight (the weight that moves with each wheel as it reacts to the road variations). This allows the suspension to supply a more comfortable ride while continuing to create a better handling vehicle. This obviously translates to more comfort on the highway and a lot more fun on country roads. Electronics takes a lot of credit in making the DeVille a better handling automobile. The adjustable shock absorbers and Cadillac’s StabliTrak make it virtually impossible to get the DeVille to go out of control. We say virtually because nothing can save you if you break the laws of physics. However, the DeVille was able to reach high thresholds without breaking nature’s law. During our testing on a closed circuit, we were able to steer into a turn very abruptly trying to make the vehicle spin out of control. In situations that would have caused most vehicles to spin off into the weeds, the StabiliTrak-equipped DeVille stayed a true course. StabiliTrak’s computer control lightly applied the brakes to individual wheels to keep our DeVille in control. This type of system can be a godsend on strange roads or in emergency situations. The highway ride is as supple as you would expect of a Cadillac. Yet, the new DeVille does not feel like the proverbial boat once attributed to big American cars. The sophisticated continuously variable road-sensing suspension system (CVRSS 2.0) with transient roll control, lateral support and enhanced stability is able to adjust itself every few milliseconds, providing optimum ride and control. This adds comfort by soaking up road irregularities and isolates the passengers from the outside elements. The braking system has also seen huge improvements. Combined with the large four-wheel disc brakes is a smaller, lighter anti-lock system that includes an electronic brake distribution system. This system allows the driver to maintain steering control in an emergency braking situation. The DeVille comes with the superb Northstar V8 engine. This engine develops 275 horsepower in the standard DeVille and 300 horsepower for the DHS and DTS. The Northstar engine has gone through numerous changes; in fact, there are just a few parts on the newest version that would fit in the previous engine. These refinements make the DeVille more responsive, more fuel efficient and quieter, all without sacrificing performance. This drivetrain continues to receive enormous accolades in the industry. 2000 Deville Review Summary & Specifications It has been a long while since we could, in good conscience, recommend a Cadillac. Now the wait is finally over and we can recommend any Cadillac. We knew it was getting closer each year, as Cadillac improved model by model. Get Your Free Cadillac Deville Price Quote 2000 Cadillac Deville Specs Vehicle Category Luxury Cars Editor Ron Moorhead Model Lineup DeVille ($39,500); DeVille High-Luxury Sedan ($44,700); DeVille Touring Sedan ($44,700) Engines (standard) 4.6-liter dohc V8 Transmissions (standard) 4-speed automatic Engines (optional) 4.6-liter dohc V8 Transmissions (optional) 4-speed automatic Safety Equipment (standard) dual front airbags, dual front-seat side airbags, dual front seatbelt pretensioners standard; rear-seat side air bags optional Safety Equipment (optional) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Assembled In Detroit (Hamtramck) Manufacturer Phone 1-800-458-8006 Manufacturer URL www.cadillac.com Base Price MSRP 39500 2000 Cadillac Deville Specs as Tested Model Tested MSRP DeVille Touring Sedan ($44,700) Standard Equipment AM/FM/cassette/CD; cruise control; power door locks, windows and mirrors; 8-way power, 4-way lumbar front seats; tri-zone climate control; remote keyless entry, trunk and fuel door release; fog lamps; floor shifter w/console; Rainsense wipers; Zebrano wood trim Destination Charge 670 Options as Tested (MSRP) Night Vision ($1,995); adaptive seats ($995); rear side air bags ($295); comfort/convenience package ($1095) includes memory settings power tilt/telescoping steering wheel trunk mat Gas Guzzler Tax Layout front-wheel drive Price as Tested 49750 Horse Power 300 @ 6000 Torque 295 @ 4400 Fuel Economy 17/28 Wheelbase 115.4 Length/Width/Height 207.2/74.5/56.7 Track Front/Rear 62.7/62.2 Turning Radius 40.2/41.4 (L/R) Seating Capacity 5 Front Head/Hip/Leg room 39.1/56.4/42.4 Middle Head/Hip/Leg room Rear Head/Hip/Leg room 38.4/56.7/43.2 Trunk Volume 19.1 Payload Towing Capacity 3000 Front Suspension Independent Rear Suspension Independent Ground Clearance 5.3 Curb Weight 4047 Stock Tires P235/55HR17 Brakes Front/Rear ventilated disc/disc with ABS Fuel Capacity 18.5 ————————– By Alex Law Sunday, January 02, 2000 Topics: 2000, cadillac, deville, passenger, review, sedan ROCHESTER, Mich: Fittingly, Cadillac acknowledged the past of its biggest selling model as well as its future during the reveal of the 2000 DeVille at the Concours d’Elegance here recently. It’s fitting because the redesigned and re-engineered DeVille is the last “transition” model from the famous luxury maker, according to John F. Smith, who is a General Motors vice president as well as Cadillac’s general manager. “The 2000 DeVille is a blend of engineering achievement and sophisticated styling,” said Smith, “reflecting the bold spirit of great Cadillacs from the past while meeting the needs of large luxury sedan customers as we move into the next millennium.” The next millennium, Smith has said repeatedly over the last two years, will bring a new challenge to GM’s premier marque. It will pretty much abandon its historic position as a maker of North American luxury cars and go forth into the world to do battle with every country’s luxury cars. The current Seville is already out there waging that war, with only marginal success, because it was not completely designed for such a battle. DeVille is even less well designed for the world-wide battle, though it has elements that would play well in, say, Germany that make it a better car for North America. But every car past the 2000 DeVille will be purpose-built to compete globally, starting with the 2001 Catera next year. This fall, however, we will have to limit ourselves to enjoying what this new vision for Cadillac has done to the quintessential North American luxury car — the DeVille. The 2000 DeVille is available in three models — DeVille, DeVille High Luxury Sedan (DHS), and a sporty, 5-passenger DeVille Touring Sedan (DTS). Smith said the DTS is “specifically aimed at baby boomers moving into the segment to obtain the comfort, convenience, safety and security they need in a car that meets their high expectations for ride and handling, performance and contemporary styling.” The new DeVille is a showcase for pioneering intuitive technology that brings meaningful benefits to customers, Smith said, adding that the big breakthrough is Night Vision, which can help drivers see objects ahead during nighttime driving. For the time being at any rate, DeVille and Cadillac have exclusive rights to this technology. The people who design and build it, however, see Night Vision becoming a widely used technology across many lines and many models, particularly as the price plummets. Cadillac’s not being specific, but it looks like DeVille’s Night Vision will cost about as much as a sunroof, which means $1,500 or more. Sort of complementing Night Vision at the other end of the 2000 DeVille is Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, a technology that uses four ultrasonic sensors to warn the driver if there’s something behind the car as it backs up. This is not a device unique to DeVille, but is no less useful for that. Smith said that Night Vision and Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist are “part of DeVille’s package of leading safety and security features, which also include proven safety-cage construction, leading-edge passive restraints, a CD-based navigation system and OnStar, the revolutionary information and communications service.” DeVille for 2000 also features the auto industry’s first light emitting diode (LED) taillight and center high-mounted stoplight combination, which is widely considered a safety benefit because it lights up faster than incandescent bulbs and that should give the driver behind more time to brake. General Motors has been making big advances in stiffer body architecture the last couple of years, and the 2000 DeVille will benefit from that, since it is supposed to be “notably stiffer in both torsion and handling.” Smith bowed in the direction of those finicky boomers, who would not normally be thinking in Cadillac terms, but pointing out this new structure provides significant benefits in areas that they hold dear. “This architecture is the foundation for DeVille’s enhanced agility on the road and precise, responsive control,” he said, “and provides the building block for improvements to crashworthiness as well as to noise, vibration and harshness control.” There are also significant advancements in Cadillac’s Northstar integrated powertrain and chassis system to report for the new DeVille. In the first place, the Northstar V8 has been redesigned to achieve better mileage with regular fuel, smoother and quieter operation, and certification as a low emissions vehicle for California. It’s important not to gloss over Smith’s comment about the new DeVille needing regular instead of premium fuel, since that can amount to a serious amount of money over time. And Cadillac engineers I quizzed made it perfectly clear that there would be no benefit to putting premium fuel into the new car. From a handling point of view, Smith said, StabiliTrak 2.0, the next evolution of Cadillac’s stability-control system, “makes DeVille’s handling more predictable and consistent under all driving conditions and road surfaces.” The system is enhanced for 2000, he explained, “with the addition of active steering effort compensation, which slightly increases turning effort during sudden maneuvers, and side-slip-rate control, which responds to traction loss at all four wheels by gently applying both front brakes to help the driver regain control.” In addition, the DTS version of the 2000 DeVille will feature the second generation of Cadillac’s continuously variable road sensing suspension, CVRSS 2.0. It wouldn’t be a Cadillac if there wasn’t a long and somewhat innovative list of features to talk about on the 2000 DeVille, so it offers features such as three-zone climate-control, adaptive seating, massaging lumbar seats and a new flexible center seat and storage system. Smith claimed that the “rear seat environment may be the most luxurious and comfortable one on the road, incorporating theater seating layout for optimum forward visibility, heated seats and power lumbar adjustments.” As for its exterior style, Smith said DeVille’s “clean, flowing exterior form strikes a balance between formal and sporty.” The new DeVille is more than 50 mm shorter and narrower than the car it replaces, which is meant to give it a trimmer and more athletic appearance. But its wheelbase is actually 38 mm longer, and its interior space is virtually as roomy as the 1999 model, which is a neat trick. “DeVille has been a dominant force in the luxury segment for decades,” said DeVille Brand Manager Patrick Kemp, who did not mention that it has been under particularly heavy attack the last few years. He said, however, that “The 2000 DeVille ingeniously combines technology and grace in a harmonious package that will appeal to luxury customers as we enter a new age.” ————————- ———————————- ========================= Eldorado Introduction Cadillac Eldorado is powerful and luxurious. The moment you settle into it you know you’re in a Cadillac. The interior practically shouts big, lavish and grandiose. Slam the throttle down and a different breed of Cadillac springs to life. The Eldorado takes off aggressively, surprising you with its vigor. For 2000, Cadillac has improved its Northstar V8 for lower emissions. Eldorado Touring Coupe gets a new set of wheels this year and replaces chrome with sporty body-colored trim. Get Your Free Cadillac Eldorado Price Quote Cadillac has pulled out all the high-tech stops for its Eldorado Touring Coupe. The ETC logo is revised, while the standard Eldorado has been renamed Eldorado Sport Coupe, or ESC. Lineup Two models are available: Eldorado Sport Coupe (ESC) and Eldorado Touring Coupe. ESC retails for $39,120, while ETC goes for $42,695. The Eldorado Sport Coupe is equipped with the Northstar V8 rated at 275 horsepower. The Eldorado Touring Coupe is furnished with a sport-tuned version of the same engine rated at 300 horsepower. All Eldorados come equipped with an excellent Hydra-matic four-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. Walkaround The Eldorado looks heavy. Its lines are clean and spare, but the high beltline, huge C-pillar, heavy-looking trunk box and small, bunker-like windows convey an impression of enormous mass. The closer you get, the bigger it seems. With a lengthy 108-inch wheelbase and overall length of 200.6 inches, it is the largest of the mass-market coupes, surpassed only by the now discontinued Lincoln ContinentalMark VIII. Body-colored grille and bumpers blend handsomely into the car’s form. Interior Officially categorized as a mid-size car, the Eldorado has class-leading volume in both the front seat and back seat. The impression created by the enormous trunk box is no illusion: The trunk provides 15 cubic feet of cargo space, far more than other mid-size coupes. Eldorado’s interior is large, elegant, and generous in appointments. For safety, dual front de-powered airbags are standard. A beautifully sleek band of fine Zebrano wood trim encircles driver and front-seat passenger. The dash is admirably simple and straightforward, with excellent analog instruments. The automatic twilight-sensing headlight system can be adjusted for sensitivity or switched off altogether. Get Your Free Cadillac Eldorado Price Quote The steering wheel has two paddles, one that controls audio volume and station selection, the other controlling the climate control’s temperature and fan level. The wheel adjusts up and down, but does not telescope fore and aft. A full multi-task trip computer is mounted on the dash above the console. It computes current cruising range, fuel efficiency, fuel used, average speed, elapsed time, battery voltage, percent of oil-life left — in either English or metric figures. Next to this computer are remote controls for opening the trunk and fuel door. A fine Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD is standard on the ETC (optional in the base Eldorado) with a 12-disc remote changer in the trunk standard. The radio also has a radio data system that will display the station, search for particular kinds of stations or look for traffic bulletins. It can even interrupt tapes and CDs with emergency information. The heating and air conditioning system delivers readouts for both interior and exterior ambient temperature. A toggle on the lower right allows the front passenger to select separate temperature settings. Rear-seat passengers get their own climate controls as well. Heated seats come on the ETC and they warm quickly, but we found the lower of the two settings too hot for extended periods of time. They are at their best while waiting for the engine and heating system to warm up. Fog lights are standard, as are two front cupholders. Power outside mirrors have a handy provision that adjusts them downward to the curb when Reverse is selected, helpful when parking this large car. Our test car was furnished with the standard compass in the rearview mirror and an optional overhead garage-door opener ($107). The Eldorado Touring Coupe’s upholstery is gorgeous, glove-quality light-cream leather. The front seats have eight-way power adjustment. Lateral support is average, but the lumbar adjustment is excellent. Driving Impressions If the Eldorado Touring Coupe seems loaded with creature comforts, it’s absolutely jam-packed with technology designed to enhance safety and improve the driving experience. It all begins with the Eldorado’s well-publicized and deservedly praised 4.6-liter Northstar V8. On the ETC, this engine produces 300 horsepower at 6000 rpm. This is matched by a brawny 295 foot-pounds of torque, though this peak torque comes at a fairly high 4400 rpm, rather than down low, where it would produce even heartier takeoff. Conversely, the Northstar engine used Eldorado Sport Coupe produces 275 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 300 foot-pounds of torque at 4000. For 2000, the Northstar engine features an all-new head design, new intake manifolds, coil-on-plug ignition and rolling cam runners to reduce friction. Pistons, valves, connecting rods and camshafts were changed or updated. All of this was designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It has also resulted in a quieter engine. Now, instead of having to run 93-octane fuel, the engine burns regular unleaded. Get Your Free Cadillac Eldorado Price Quote In short, this car has lots of power. Eldorado Touring Coupe’s 0-to-60 mph acceleration times are spirited, coming in right at 7 seconds flat. Passing maneuvers from 30 to 70 mph take only about 6.5 seconds, which is very uplifting. The automatic transmission is excellent. It shifts so smoothly that it’s almost undetectable when accelerating gradually. Like any powerful front-wheel-drive car, the ETC exhibits low-speed torque-steer under full acceleration. Slam down the accelerator pedal from a standstill and you’ll feel a slight tug on the steering wheel. You’ll also get some front wheel spin if you’ve switched the traction control system off. However, traction control is automatically activated each time you start the car. Whenever traction control senses wheel spin, like when you slam down the gas pedal at a stop sign, the system reduces engine torque and lightly applies the brakes to the front wheels. Driven moderately, none of this will be noticed. Besides traction control, the Eldorado comes standard with anti-lock disc brakes. ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control of the car in an emergency braking situation. Three other systems are available on the Eldorado: Magnasteer variable-assist steering is standard; CVRSS continuously variable road-sensing suspension is standard on ETC; and StabiliTrak stability control is standard on ETC, optional on ESC. StabiliTrak uses yaw and lateral-acceleration sensors in conjunction with the suspension, steering and ABS to detect oversteer (fishtailing) or understeer (front-end washout). Immediately upon sensing either of these conditions, StabiliTrak applies braking to the one wheel that can help to regain stability. Several top-line automakers are using these systems now and, presuming the laws of physics haven’t been too grievously violated by the driver, they really work. The CVRSS suspension is an advanced system that reads the road surface’s roughness and on rougher surfaces automatically adjusts the shock-damping rate of each individual wheel. The result is reduced impact harshness, a smoother ride and more sustained contact with the road during extreme emergency maneuvers. Also on the ETC is a system that automatically adjusts the ABS according to the texture of the road. Magnasteer actively varies the amount of power-assist given the steering, more at low speeds to decrease steering effort, with increasingly less at higher speeds, where increased steering effort has a steadying effect. 2000 Eldorado Review Summary & Specifications Cadillac has pulled out all the high-tech stops for its Eldorado Touring Coupe. The Northstar engine, the silky smooth transmission and the suspension tuning are first rate. Get Your Free Cadillac Eldorado Price Quote 2000 Cadillac Eldorado Specs Vehicle Category Luxury Cars Editor Ted West Model Lineup ESC ($39,120); ETC ($42,695) Engines (standard) 4.6-liter dohc 32v V8 Engines (optional) 275-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32v V8 (ESC); 300-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32v V8 (ETC) Transmissions (standard) 4-speed automatic Transmissions (optional) 4-speed automatic Safety Equipment (standard) dual front airbags, ABS, traction control, StabiliTrak Safety Equipment (optional) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Assembled In Detroit, Michigan Manufacturer Phone 1-800-333-4CAD Manufacturer URL www.cadillac.com Base Price MSRP 39120 2000 Cadillac Eldorado Specs as Tested Model Tested MSRP ETC ($42,695) Standard Equipment (ETC) ABS, traction control, Magnasteer speed-sensitive steering, CVRSS variable road-sensing suspension, StabiliTrak stability control, electronic level control, theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, halogen headlamps, Rainsense wiper system, dual eight-way heated power seats with four-way lumbar support and dual memory, Zebrano wood trim, Bose AM/FM/cassette/CD with 12-disc remote changer, cruise control, 10-function trip computer, pre-wired for cell phone, Cadillac Roadside Service Options as Tested (MSRP) Goodyear Eagle GA tires ($250); chrome wheels ($795); garage door opener ($107) Destination Charge 695 Gas Guzzler Tax Price as Tested 44542 Layout front-wheel drive Horse Power 300 @ 6000 Torque 295 @ 4400 Fuel Economy 17/26 Wheelbase 108 Length/Width/Height 200.6/75.5/53.6 Track Front/Rear 60.9/60.9 Turning Radius 40.35 Seating Capacity 5 Front Head/Hip/Leg room 37.8/57.6/42.6 Middle Head/Hip/Leg room Rear Head/Hip/Leg room 38.3/55.7/35.5 Trunk Volume 15.3 Payload Towing Capacity 1000 Front Suspension Independent Rear Suspension Independent Ground Clearance Curb Weight 3876 Stock Tires P225/60R16 Brakes Front/Rear disc/disc with ABS Fuel Capacity 20.0 —————– � Get a Free Price Quote � Find a Local Dealer � Low Rate Financing 2000 Cadillac Eldorado ESC Coupe Overview – 4,565 cc 4.6 liters 8 V engine with 93 mm bore, 84 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder – Premium unleaded fuel – Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4 – Multi-point injection fuel system – Main 76 liter premium unleaded fuel tank – Power: SAE and 205 kW , 275 HP @ 5,600 rpm; 300 ft lb , 407 Nm @ 4,000 rpm —————- 2000 Cadillac Eldorado ETC Coupe Overview – 4,565 cc 4.6 liters 8 V engine with 93 mm bore, 84 mm stroke, 10.3 compression ratio, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder – Premium unleaded fuel – Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4 – Multi-point injection fuel system – Main 76 liter premium unleaded fuel tank – Power: SAE and 224 kW , 300 HP @ 6,000 rpm; 295 ft lb , 400 Nm @ 4,400 rpm ===================== Seville: Introduction Though a luxury car, Cadillac’s SevilleSTS feels, at times, like a hot rod. Its muscular good looks are backed up with one of the best powertrains on the market, a 300-horsepower Northstar V8. The Seville STS and SLS are comfortable luxury sedans, however. They come loaded with features and technology designed to improve comfort, safety and performance. Cadillac’s StabiliTrak system has been significantly enhanced for 2000 and is smart enough to respond to a skid before you’re even aware there’s a problem. Get Your Free Cadillac Seville Price Quote Cadillac Seville is a credible contender for those seeking an American luxury sedan that delivers the refinement, performance and handling expected from a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus or Infiniti. Completely re-engineered for 2000, the Northstar engines for both the STS and SLS models are quieter, cleaner and more efficient than last year. Lineup Two models are available: SLS ($44,080) and STS ($48,680). SLS is loaded with luxury features. STS adds a more powerful version of the Northstar engine, speed-rated tires and perforated leather seating surfaces in place of the SLS model’s leather seating surfaces. Walkaround Cadillac Seville’s distinctly domestic styling may not win over dedicated import buyers, but it’s a nice-looking luxury sedan. Its bold, egg-crate grille and strong, vertically oriented taillights are traditional Cadillac styling cues. Edges are soft and sculpted, however, presenting a refined look. Wrap-around projector headlights have a jewel-like quality that lends a high-tech look, while improving lighting performance. This latest-generation Seville, launched two years ago, is 3 inches shorter than the previous-generation model. Get Your Free Cadillac Seville Price Quote This moves it closer in size to some of its import competitors, making it more attractive as an export to other countries. While the Seville may be shorter, bumper-to-bumper, than before, there’s significantly more useable space, and the 2-inch wider stance enhances ride and handling, especially when coupled to the Seville’s world-class suspension. Interior The Seville’s interior looks great and is highly functional. The center console, sweeping up into the instrument panel, houses a handsome radio and climate-control center. The look is elegant and expensive. The instrument panel illustrates how Cadillac engineers have been influenced by Lexus. The gauges use a three-dimensional Vacuum Fluorescent, or VF, display that is as easy to read as it is sophisticated. Cadillac deserves kudos for the tasteful use of richly grained zebrano wood in the Seville. The front bucket seats are among the most comfortable we’ve found in an American luxury car. They are plush, but not overstuffed, with enough lateral support to keep the driver firmly planted when maneuvering the Seville through tight curves, yet the side bolsters are low enough to make getting in and out easy. The front seatbelts are anchored to the seat so they fit more precisely and feel much more comfortable to wear. Get Your Free Cadillac Seville Price Quote Seville offers an optional adaptive seating system that many potential buyers may dismiss out of hand as just another costly gadget. For short commutes and around-town driving, they’d probably be right, but on long drives, the system is comfortable and noticeably less fatiguing. Hidden under the plush leather upholstery are special sensors designed to measure a body’s pressure points and then automatically adjust 10 strategically placed air cells in the seat cushion. The Bose 4.0 sound system is an example of how Seville makes extensive use of computer technology to enhance both driving attributes and creature comforts. It’s something audiophiles should consider. It punches out nearly 425 watts of music power through its eight speakers, which include a 12-inch subwoofer. The Bose system is smart enough to automatically adjust volume and tone levels to compensate for changing cabin sound conditions. For 2000, Cadillac is offering a new navigation system that features a five-inch color display with bright, clear graphics centrally located in the instrument panel. Passengers operate the system by touching the screen and following turn-by-turn instructions or referring to the map; the system is integrated into the Bose 4.0 music system and uses CD-ROM to store mapping information. Another option worth consideration is GM’s OnStar system. OnStar combines cellular technology with a Global Positioning Satellite, or GPS, receiver that constantly tracks the vehicle’s position. No additional cellular contract is needed to use the system. Pressing a button connects you to an OnStar service center that can provide directions, call for a tow truck or remotely unlock the doors if you’ve left the key in the ignition. They can make airline reservations, provide restaurant recommendations, or send flowers for a special occasion. Most important, they will check in on you immediately after an airbag deploys and will summon help to your location if you don’t respond. For 2000, the Seville uses sensors designed to prevent deployment of the front passenger’s air bag when the seat is empty or a small child is sitting there. According to Cadillac, this system provides safety benefits to children that cannot be realized with dual-stage or multi-stage inflation systems, which deploy with varying degrees of force depending upon the size of the passenger and the severity of the crash. Cadillac’s weight-based sensors and pattern recognition technology can distinguish between a small adult female and a large child strapped into a child safety seat; if it’s a small child, whether in a child safety seat or not, the air bag will not deploy. An indicator light on the rearview mirror tells the driver whether the air bag is enabled or suppressed. (Cadillac still recommends the back seat as the safest place for children, but its research indicates that people want, when absolutely necessary, the ability to properly restrain children in the front seat.) Driving Impressions Driving is where the Seville shines. Seville’s Northstar 4.6-liter V8 has plenty of torque for off-the-line acceleration and enough horsepower to maintain pace on Germany’s Autobahn. The Northstar engine is tuned differently for the SLS and STS models: The version used in the SLS produces 275 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 300 foot-pounds of torque at 4000. The engine in the STS delivers 300 horsepower at 6000 and 295 foot-pounds of torque at 4400 rpm. That makes the STS the better choice for drivers who want a high-performance luxury sports sedan and the SLS better for drivers who prefer quietly cruising in luxury. The redline is 6500 rpm in the SLS, 6700 rpm in the STS. Get Your Free Cadillac Seville Price Quote For 2000, the Northstar engine features an all-new head design, new intake manifolds, coil-on-plug ignition and rolling cam runners to reduce friction. Pistons, valves, connecting rods and camshafts were changed or updated. All of this was designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. It has also resulted in a quieter engine. Now, instead of having to run 93-octane fuel, the engine burns regular unleaded. Cadillac’s four-speed automatic transmission features a Performance Shift Algorithm that analyzes your driving style and adjusts shifting appropriately. Hammer the throttle and it mimics the crisp shifts of a manual transmission. Accelerate gradually and the transmission shifts smoothly. Go through a corner under hard acceleration and the system is smart enough to delay shifting until you are through the turn for improved handling balance. Standard on both models is the StabiliTrak system. It uses a special accelerometer to sense even a minor skid. Then, by applying the brakes to individual front wheels and deftly controlling the throttle, it brings the car back under the control-often before you noticed anything was wrong. Seville’s steering system is linked to the system’s sensors. As a result, steering effort is altered according to how aggressively a driver takes a corner. For 2000, the third generation of this system raises steering effort in low-traction or emergency-maneuver situations to enhance driver control. Also added this year is side slip-rate control: If the Seville is sliding sideways, both front brakes are momentarily applied to slow the vehicle and allow it to regain stability and lateral traction. Now add in the Continuously Variable Road Sensing Suspension, a standard feature on all Seville models. The system responds to changing road conditions to optimize ride and handling; it alters shock-damping rates to find an optimal balance between comfort and handling. 2000 Seville Review Summary & Specifications Cadillac Seville is a credible contender for those seeking an American luxury sedan that delivers the refinement, performance and handling expected from a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus or Infiniti. The Seville is a sedan that truly loves to be driven, whether you’re winding down back roads or commuting through traffic with the Bose sound system on. Get Your Free Cadillac Seville Price Quote 2000 Cadillac Seville Specs Vehicle Category Luxury Cars Editor Paul A. Eisenstein Model Lineup SLT ($44,080); STS ($48,680) Engines (standard) 4.6-liter dohc V8 Transmissions (standard) 4-speed automatic Engines (optional) 275-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32v V8 (SLS); 300-hp 4.6-liter dohc 32v V8 (STS) Transmissions (optional) 4-speed automatic Safety Equipment (standard) dual front airbags with child safety sensors, ABS, traction control, StabiliTrak Safety Equipment (optional) Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles Assembled In Detroit, Michigan Manufacturer Phone 1-800-333-4CAD Manufacturer URL www.cadillac.com Base Price MSRP 44025 2000 Cadillac Seville Specs as Tested Model Tested MSRP Seville STS ($48,680) Standard Equipment (STS) air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, power locks, cruise control, tilt steering, cast aluminum wheels, automatic headlights; STS adds Bose AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, fog lights, seat memory package, 14-way power bucket seats, tilt/telescopic steering column Destination Charge 695 Options as Tested (MSRP) Adaptive Seat Package ($1,627) includes adaptive front seats, heated front and rear seats, integrated 3-channel garage door opener; Wood Trim Package ($595) Gas Guzzler Tax Layout front-wheel drive Price as Tested 48138 Horse Power 300 @ 6000 Torque 295 @ 4400 Fuel Economy 17/26 Wheelbase 112.2 Length/Width/Height 201/75/55.7 Track Front/Rear 62.7/62.4 Turning Radius 40.5 Seating Capacity 5 Front Head/Hip/Leg room 38.2/55.6/42.5 Middle Head/Hip/Leg room Rear Head/Hip/Leg room 38.0/57.5/38.2 Trunk Volume 15.7 Payload Towing Capacity 3000 Front Suspension Independent Rear Suspension Independent Ground Clearance 5.4 Curb Weight 4001 Stock Tires P235/60SR16 Brakes Front/Rear disc/disc with ABS Fuel Capacity 18.5 —————- 2000 Cadillac Seville SLS Sedan Overview – 4,565 cc 4.6 liters 8 V front transverse engine with 93 mm bore, 84 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, light alloy block, light alloy head, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder – Premium unleaded fuel – Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4 – Multi-point injection fuel system – Main 70 liter premium unleaded fuel tank – Power: SAE and 205 kW , 275 HP @ 5,600 rpm; 300 ft lb , 407 Nm @ 4,000 rpm —————- 2000 Cadillac Seville STS Sedan Overview – 4,565 cc 4.6 liters 8 V front transverse engine with 93 mm bore, 84 mm stroke, 10 compression ratio, light alloy block, light alloy head, double overhead cam and four valves per cylinder – Premium unleaded fuel – Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 8.4 – Multi-point injection fuel system – Main 70 liter premium unleaded fuel tank – Power: SAE and 224 kW , 300 HP @ 6,000 rpm; 295 ft lb , 400 Nm @ 4,400 rpm ===================== ==========================

• Cadillac’s millennium-ending 2000 lineup featured completely restyled full-size DeVille sedans built on a much stiffened platform shared with some other GM marques.
• The end results were somewhat shorter and slightly narrower than the 1999 models, but rode on a 1.5-inch ionger wheelbase.
• Catera received a face-lift and the addition of a Sport version distinguished by 17-inch wheels and other exterior styling features.
• Eldorado and Seville remained largely unchanged in appearance but received tweaks to their Northstar V-8 engines.
• While Cadillac’s impressive Evoq concept car hinted at future styling for the marque, the year’s production models were characterized by technological razzle-dazzle such as
  • a thermal-imaging Night Vision system
  • updates to StabiliTrak that included automatic shock-absorber dampening adjustment on individual wheels
  • LED taillights
  • Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
  • a system that prevented front-passenger air bags from deploying if the seat was unoccupied or contained a small child.

Model	Series Prod. No.	Body Style No.	Body Type	Factory Price	Shipping weight
Catera	VR5	R69	4-door Sedan	31010	3770
DeVille	KD5	D69	4-door Sedan	39895	3978
	KE5	E69	4-door DHS Sedan	45595	4049
	KF5	F69	4-door DTS Sedan	45595	4047
Eldorado	EL1	L57	2-door ESC Coupe	39665	3825
	ET1	T57	2-door ETC Coupe	43240	3856
Seville	KS5	S69	4-door SLS Sedan	44475	3970
	KY5	Y69	4-door STS Sedan	49075	4001

 

I D DATA

The 2000 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 code was as follows:

POSITION	DIGIT	MEANING
1	1 or 4	manufacturing country (United States)
2	G	General Motors
3	6	Cadillac
4 & 5	car line series	V/R Catera E/L Eldorado ESC E/T Eldorado ETC K/D DeVille K/E DeVille DHS K/F DeVille DTS K/S Seville (SLS) K/Y Seville (STS)
6	the body style:	1 two-door coupe 2 two-door 3 two-door convertible 5 four-door sedan 6 four-door 8 four-door station wagon
7	the restraint code	2 active (manual) belts w/dual frontal airbags 4 active (manual) belts w/dual frontal and side airbags
8	the engine	Y LD8 4.6L V-8 9 L37 4.6L V-8 R L81 3.0L V-6
9	check digit	–
10	model year	Y = 2000
11	the assembly plant	–
12-17	the production sequence number	–

 

HISTORY

 

• As announced during 1999, Cadillac did field an effort to compete in the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race.
• The four racing Cadillacs, named LMP (for Le Mans Prototype), were based on Riley & Scott chassis fitted with a twin-turbocharged, intercooled 4.0-liter Northstar V-8s (not a regular production item).
• While not ultimately victorius, valuable lessons were learned by the Cadillac contingent and optimism prevailed for a better showing in 2001.
• One bright spot in Cadillac’s LeMans experience was the flawless performance of the Night Vision systems on its race cars.
• Derived from thermal-imaging technology developed for the military and proven during the Gulf War, Night Vision was but one element of the technological wizardry that typified production Cadillacs for 2000.
• Standard and optional features such as Night Vision, StabiliTrak, CVRSS, PAS, Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist, OnStar, selective air bag deployment, and hands-free cellular phone operation — to name a few — brought world attention to Cadillac’s state-of-the-art engineering and commitment to excellence.