By Jim Flammang
Cars.com National April 25, 2005Vehicle Overview
Over the past few years, Cadillac has been removing one old nameplate after another: Eldorado, Seville and now DeVille. All have been consigned to the dustbin, at least for now, as Cadillac seeks a new audience with three-letter model designations.
For 2006, a new front-wheel-drive sedan called the DTS replaces the long-lived DeVille. Recently, the DTS has been the top-level model in the DeVille series. For about two decades, the DeVille has accounted for nearly half the sales in its segment.
Introduced at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the new DTS is offered with a single-model strategy. That means one exterior and one interior, with multiple option packages available.
Six airbags are installed, and one of two Northstar V-8s powers the DTS. Sales are expected to begin in fall 2005.
Exterior
Styling of the DTS is "more architectural and linear," said Gary Cowger, former president of General Motors North America, during its initial appearance. The new model's styling evokes Cadillac's STS sedan.
Led by a new eggcrate grille with central wreath-and-crest badging and fresh front-end sheet metal, the DTS features vertical xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and LED taillamps. Rear quarter panels and the deck lid are new.
Available technologies include a four-channel StabiliTrak electronic stability system with brake assist, as well as Magnetic Ride Control. Either 17- or 18-inch tires can be mounted on the car. Riding a 115.6-inch wheelbase, the DTS sedan is 207.6 inches long overall and 74.8 inches wide.
Interior
The DTS can hold either five or six occupants, with a choice of front bucket seats or a front bench. Compared with the DeVille, the instrument panel has been lowered and moved forward. A new analog clock is installed, and genuine burl wood trim is available.
Tri-zone climate control is standard. Available features include heated and cooled front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, Adaptive Remote Start (with a personalization provision), power folding mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and heated windshield-washer fluid. Front and rear ultrasonic parking assistance, IntelliBeam automatic high-beam headlights, an in-dash six-CD changer with MP3 capability and adaptive cruise control also are available. Additional features include XM Satellite Radio, a DVD-based navigation system and GM's OnStar communication system.
Under the Hood
Cadillac's 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 comes in a choice of two configurations in the DTS. The L37 edition produces an estimated 291 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, while the LD8 is rated at 275 hp at 5,200 rpm. The L37 is designed to rev higher, while the LD8 emphasizes quick launches and has greater peak torque. Both engines work with a four-speed-automatic transmission.
Safety
Six standard airbags include side-impact, side curtain-type and a new dual-depth front passenger unit that deploys either shallow or deep depending on crash severity, seat belt usage and occupant position.
Additional Reviews
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| Jim Flammang | Cars.com National | April 25, 2005 |
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