Cadillac DeVille
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- "DeVille" and "De Ville" redirect here. For other uses, see Deville.
- See also Cadillac Coupe de Ville.
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
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| Production | 1949–Present (2006–Present as the Cadillac DTS) |
| Assembly | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Predecessor | Cadillac Series 62 |
| Successor | Cadillac DTS (nameplate only) |
| Class | Full-size luxury car |
DeVille (also De Ville and de Ville) was orginally a trim level and later a model of General Motors' Cadillac marque. The first car to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe de Ville, a prestige trim level of the Series 62 luxury coupe. The last model to be formally known as a DeVille was the 2005 Cadillac DeVille, a full-size sedan, the largest car in the Cadillac model range at the time. The next year, the DeVille was officially renamed DTS (an acronym standing for DeVille Touring Sedan, itself a trim level on earlier models).
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[edit] Origin
The name "DeVille" (French: "of the city" or "town") is a reference to the town car body style, which featured an open chauffer's compartment and an enclosed passenger compartment. The term was also used by Lincoln in 1922, to describe a one-off model built for Henry Ford.[1] In Cadillac parlance, DeVille was first used to designate a deluxe trim level on hardtop or "pillarless"-body cars. At first, DeVille trim was available only on the Series 62, but pillared sedans were not available in DeVille trim until the 1965 model year, when DeVille became an independent trim line, including a convertible and pillared sedan.
[edit] 1949-1964
| Production | 1949–1954 |
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| Body style(s) | 2-door hardtop |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 331 cid V8 |
| Wheelbase | 1949-53: 126.0 in (3200 mm) 1954: 129.0 in (3277 mm) |
| Production | 1955–1958 |
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| Body style(s) | 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop (Beginning in 1956) |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 331 cid V8 365 cid V8 |
| Wheelbase | 1955-56: 129.0 in (3277 mm) 1957-58: 129.5 in (3289 mm) |
| Length | 1955-6 coupe: 221.9 in (5636 mm) 1955-6 sedan: 214.9 in (5458 mm) 1957 coupe: 220.9 in (5611 mm) 1957 sedan: 215.9 in (5484 mm) 1958 coupe: 225.3 in (5723 mm) 1958 sedan: 221.8 in (5634 mm) |
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| Production | 1959–1964 |
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| Body style(s) | 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 390 in³ V8 429 in³ V8 |
| Wheelbase | 129.5 in (3289 mm) |
| Length | 1959-1960: 225.0 in (5715 mm) 1961-62: 222.0 in (5639 mm) 1963: 223.0 in (5664 mm) 1964: 223.5 in (5677 mm) |
The first Cadillac to bear the DeVille name was the 1949 Coupe De Ville, with a 4-door hardtop version appearing in 1956 (a one-off Sedan de Ville was built in 1954).[2]) Both cars were based on the Series 62.
[edit] 1965 - 1970
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| Production | 1965–1970 |
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| Body style(s) | 2-door hardtop 2-door convertible 4-door hardtop 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 429 in³ V8 472 in³ V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 129.5 in (3,290 mm) |
| Length | 1965-66: 224.0 in (5,690 mm) 1967-68: 224.7 in (5,710 mm) 1969-70: 225.0 in (5715 mm) |
Beginning in 1965, DeVille denoted Cadillac's mainstream model, falling between the Calais and the Fleetwood.
All GM fullsize lines were completely redesigned for 1965, yet DeVille retained its 129.5-inch (3,290 mm) wheelbase. The Series 62 on which the DeVille was based was now called Calais. Rounded body styling gave way for sharp, angled lines. Tailfins disappeared, and headlights were now stacked vertically allowing for a wider grille. The pillared sedan variant returned. Power was still supplied by the 429 cu in (7,030 cc) V8, which was replaced by the 472 cu in (7,730 cc) for 1968.
For 1968, the DeVille gained slight exterior changes to comply with new federal safety and emissions legislation, and as with the rest of the Cadillac lineup, a new 472 in³ (7.7 L) V8 engine rated at 375 hp (sae gross).
[edit] 1971 - 1976
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| Production | 1971–1976 |
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| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 472 cid V8 500 cid V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed TH-400 |
| Wheelbase | 130.0 in (3302 mm) |
| Length | 1971: 225.8 in (5735 mm) 1972-76: 231.0 in (5867 mm) |
| Width | 80 in (2032 mm) |
As with all GM fullsize lines, the DeVille was redesigned for 1971. The standard engine remained the 472, still rated at 375 SAE gross horsepower and 365 ft·lbf (495 N·m) of torque. The car was still essentially a Calais with more options and different exterior trim.
In November 1971, a showroom-stock 1971 Coupe DeVille placed third in the annual coast-to-coast Cannonball Run, posting the highest average speed of the event, 84.6 mph (136.2 km/h) (excluding stops) and averaging 8.9 mpg-US (26 L/100 km; 10.7 mpg-imp).
The front end was redesigned with the newly-approved quad rectangular headlamps for 1975. The 210 hp 500 V8 replaced the 472 as the standard engine. 1974 saw the introduction of the optional "Air Cushion Restraint System". Known today as airbags, this option provided protection for front seat occupants in the case of a frontal collision. One bag was located in the steering wheel, the other in the dashboard in front of the front seat passenger. The glove box was replaced with a lockable storage compartment under the dashboard. After the 1976 model year it was not offered.
The De Ville "d'Elegance" Package- In 1974, the De Ville series was available with the optional "d'Elegance" package. Similar to the Fleetwood Brougham's package of the same name, it offered a velour seating fabric, upgraded carpeting, and exterior badging. The package was available on both coupe and sedan models. The "d'Elegance" name remained with the De Ville series as a package through 1984. In 1997 it became a separate model designation for the sedan.
[edit] 1977 - 1984
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| Production | 1977–1984 |
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| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Engine(s) | 7.0L V8(1977-1979) 5.7L Diesel V8(1978-1985) 6.0L V8(1980-1981) 4.1L V6 (1980-1982) 4.1L V8(1982-1984) |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed automatic (1977-1980) 4-speed automatic(1981-1984) |
| Wheelbase | 1977-79: 121.5 in (3086 mm) 1980-84: 121.4 in (3084 mm) |
| Length | 1980-84: 221.0 in (5613 mm) 1977-79: 221.2 in (5618 mm) |
| Width | 1983-84: 75.3 in (1913 mm) 1980-84: 76.4 in (1941 mm) 1977-79: 74.6 in (1895 mm) |
| Height | 1983-84: 55.5 in (1410 mm) 1980-82: 55.6 in (1412 mm) 1977-79: 55.3 in (1405 mm) |
1977 was Cadillac's 75th anniversary, and saw the introduction of the downsized Deville coupes and sedans. These new cars featured a better use of space and engineering, resulting in a vehicle that was nearly a foot shorter and 1/2 ton lighter than last year, but with a larger trunk and a roomier interior. These were also the first Deville models since it's introduction in 1949 to be marketed without fender skirts over the rear wheels. The 500 in³ V8 (which produced 190 horsepower) was replaced for '77 by a 180 horsepower 425 in³ V8 variant of similar design.
For 1977, the line-up included the two-door Coupe de Ville ($9,654) and 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. 3-sided, wrap-around tail lamps were 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.
In addition to a redesigned grille and hood ornament, 1978 saw slim, vertical tail lamps inset into chrome bumper end caps with built-in side marker lamps (Cadillac would retain this "vertical tail lamp inset" design feature on Deville through 1984, and again from 1989 through 1999). New for 1978, a "Phaeton" package was optional for Deville. Available on both coupe and sedan, the $1,929 Phaeton package featured a simulated convertible-top, special pin striping, wire wheel discs, and "Phaeton" name plates in place of the usual "Coupe de Ville" or "Sedan de Ville" ornament on the rear fenders. Inside were leather upholstered seats and a leather-trimmed steering wheel matching the exterior color. The package was available in "Cotillion White" (with Dark Blue roof), "Platinum Silver" (with a Black roof), or "Arizona Beige" (with a Dark Brown roof). Coupe de Ville's popular Cabriolet roof package was priced at $369, while the d'Elegance package (for coupe or sedan) was available at $689. Electronic fuel injection, which added 15 horsepower (11 kW), was available at $744. Electronic level control - which used suspension-mounted sensors and air filled rear shocks - kept the car's height level regardless of passengers and cargo weight, was available for $140. Sales dropped slightly from 1977 to 117,750 for the $10,444 Coupe de Ville, and 88,951 for Sedan de Ville, priced at $10,668.
With bigger changes coming in '80, the 1979 models saw few alterations, one of which was a new grille design. The "Phaeton" package, now priced at $2,029, was still available in three colors, but with two new replacement colors: "Western Saddle Firemist" (with leather interior in "Antique Saddle") replacing the "Arizona Beige", and "Slate Firemist" (with leather interior in "Antique Gray") replacing "Platinum Silver". The d'Elegance package was back, at $725, which included Venetian velour upholstery (in four colors) with a 50/50 split front seat, overhead assist handles, Tangier carpeting, door pull handles, and "d'Elegance" emblems among other niceties. In addition to the $783 "fuel-injection" option, there was also the choice of a 350 in³ LF9 diesel V8 (built by Oldsmobile) for $849. Coupe de Ville's cabriolet package, priced at $384, was available in 17 colors. Production rose slightly to 121,890 for Coupe de Ville ($11,728), and 93,211 for Sedan de Ville ($12,093).
1980 saw a significant refresh, with a lower, more aerodynamic nose, higher tail end, and a heavier, more substantial appearance. The Phaeton option was discontinued, but the $1,005 d'Elegance package remained. The Coupe de Ville now wore full, bright side window surround moldings, whereas the sedan had body-color door frames with a thin chrome bead around the window opening (as used in 1977 - 1979). The chromed-plastic grille held a very diplomatic, Rolls-Royce inspired design, with thick vertical bars. The grille cast for 1980 was used again for the 1989 to 1992 Cadillac Brougham. Late in the 1980 model year, V6 power (in the form of a 4-bbl 252 CID engine manufactured by Buick) was offered as a credit option. Cadillac had not offered an engine with fewer than 8 cylinders since 1914. The standard engine for 1980 was a new 368 CID (6.0 L) V8. Unlike the pre-1980 models, the rear window glass for both two and four door models was now the same, as the two door models did away with the sporty slanted rear window and adopted the formal vertical look shared with the sedans. Pricing for Deville was $12,899 for the coupe; $13,282 for the sedan. Sales dropped miserably for the 1980 model year, despite new sheetmetal and a multitude of improvements. Coupe de Ville was down to 55,490 (less than half of the '79 figures), Sedan de Ville was also down by nearly half at 49,188. Oldsmobile's 5.7 liter diesel V8 was still available at $924, as was the popular Cabriolet option for Coupe de Ville at $350.
1981's biggest news was the introduction of Cadillac's modulated-displacement 368 in³ V8-6-4 engine. Developed by the Eaton Corporation - with design elements that had been tested for over 500,000 miles (800,000 km) - allowed various engine computers to decide how many cylinders were needed to power the car for optimal fuel economy. The theory was 8 cylinders from a complete stop, 6 cylinders during usual driving, and just four cylinders at cruising speed. The changes in cylinder operation were seamless, and most drivers did not detect any difference in operation. However, in some cases, reliability and component failure led to customer complaints. Cadillac defended it's micro-compressor controlled powerplant, and even offered special extended warranties to customers. Also available was Oldsmobile's 5.7 liter V-8 diesel engine. The 125 horsepower (93 kW) Buick V6, teamed with an automatic transmission, returned for '81 after a short initial offering in the spring of 1980. Coupe de Ville was priced at $13,450, while Sedan de Ville, priced at $13,847, now had the unique option of an available automatic seat belt system - the first offered on a GM vehicle. With the automatic shoulder/lap belt system (only for the outboard front seat passengers), the shoulder point was moved from the upper B-pillar to the upper door glass frame, and the belt reel was moved from the floor onto the door itself, installed in the lower corner. With this, you could theoretically leave the seat belt latched at all times, and simply get in and out of the vehicle without having to unfasten the belt. The $150 option (which would re-appear as standard equipment on the 1990 - 1992 Brougham), was available only on V6-powered Sedan de Villes. The V6 option itself was a $165 credit over the standard V8 in Deville. A new grille design was made up of small squares, similar to the pattern from 1979. The egg-crate 1981 grille cast was used again for the 1987 and 1988 Cadillac Brougham models. A new Electronic Climate Control panel did away with the slide lever and thumb wheel in favor of a digital display which allowed the driver to set the interior temperature to a single degree - from 65 to 85 (or "max" settings at 60 and 90 degrees. Option groups included the $1,005 d'Elegance package (available on both models), and the Cabriolet package (for Coupe de Ville) at $363. Sales were up slightly from 1980 - 89,991 sedans versus 62,724 coupes (figures include Deville and Fleetwood models).
Changes for '82 were kept to a minimum, but still included a new grille design (which was used through 1986), revamped parking lamp / tail lamp ornamentation, and a new standard wheel cover design. Cadillac introduced a new aluminum-block 249 cu 4.1 liter HT series V8 engine to replace the V8-6-4. The new power plant featured a closed-loop digital fuel injection system, free-standing cast-iron cylinders within a cast-aluminum block, and was coupled with a 4-speed automatic-overdrive transmission. Other engine options included the Buick V6 or Oldsmobile's diesel V8. Inside, the Electronic Climate Control had an updated fascia that now included an "Outside Temperature" button. Previously, the outside temperature was available through an illuminated thermometer mounted to the driver's outside mirror. With the new front-drive Cadillac Cimarron taking over as Cadillac's entry-level model, the $15,249 Coupe de Ville was now a step-up. Sedan de Ville was priced at $15,699. Sales totals for 1982 included 50,130 coupes and 86,020 sedans (figures include Deville and Fleetwood models).
For 1983, slight reworkings under the hood added 10 horsepower (now rated at 135) to the standard 4.1 liter powerplant. Meanwhile, the Buick V6 credit-option was dropped. The biggest visible change was hardly noticeable - while the grille design was a carry-over from the previous year (and would be through 1986), the Cadillac script moved from the chrome header onto the grille itself. Coupe de Ville's popular Cabriolet roof package added $415 to its $15,970 sticker price. While both models, including the $16,441 Sedan de Ville, could be ordered with the $1,150 d'Elegance package. 1983 was supposed to be the last year for the rear-drive De Ville, as new front-drive models would take over for 1984. However, numerous developmental delays caused De Ville to stay in rear-drive form for another year. Sales figures looked healthy, with a total of 109,004 sedans and 65,670 coupes (figures include Deville and Fleetwood models).
Because of a delay in production of the new front-drive De Villes (which were now going to be 1985 models), 1984 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 would also be the last time De Ville used the "V" emblem below the Cadillac crest, as 1985 and on would use the crest and wreath emblem - formerly a Fleetwood exclusive. Visible changes included body-color side moldings, and gold-tone winged crests on the parking lamps up front and tail lights in back. Hidden changes included a revised exhaust system with a revamped catalytic converter. The diesel V8 was now available at no additional charge. While the optional d'Elegance package remained at $1,150, the Cabriolet option for Coupe de Ville went up to $420. For 1984, sales figures show a total four-door production of 107,920 units, and an additional 50,840 two-door units (figures include Deville and Fleetwood models). These figures are somewhat deceiving though, as this was a very short model year for the rear-drive Coupe and Sedan de Ville. The rear-wheel drive model sales figures - impressive for such a shortened production run - showed that buyers were not quite ready for smaller Cadillacs just yet. The new front-drive 1985 Coupe de Ville and Sedan de Ville arrived in Cadillac showrooms during 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 at the same time for nearly half a year. Cadillac sold 45,330 units of the new 1985 front-drive models during the 1984 model year (35,940 four-doors and 9,390 two-doors.
[edit] 1985 - 1988
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| Production | 1985–1988 |
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| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | C-body |
| Engine(s) | 4.1 L HT-4100 V8 4.5 L V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 440-T4 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in (2814 mm) |
| Length | 1985-86: 195.0 in (4953 mm) 1987-88: 196.4 in (4989 mm) |
| Width | 1985-86: 71.7 in (1821 mm) 1987-88: 72.5 in (1842 mm) |
| Height | 55.0 in (1397 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 18 US gallons (68.1 L; 15.0 imp gal) |
In 1985, Cadillac's standard models - the Deville and Fleetwood - switched to GM's new front-wheel drive C-body platform. The front cover of the brochure advertised the new cars as the "Cadillac of Tomorrow". These new models were smaller externally yet kept almost identical interior dimensions as their predecessors. This change also brought nearly the entire Cadillac line of cars to front wheel drive - leaving only the Fleetwood Brougham as the rear wheel drive hold-out. Cadillac's HT-4100 V8 remained the only engine, mounted transversely and coupled with a 440-T4 automatic.
Of GM's front-drive C and H bodies, Cadillac was the only line to offer a V8 engine. Other GM vehicles were equipped with a Buick-derived 3.0 or 3.8 V6 engine, or - for 1985 only - Oldsmobile's 4.3L V6 diesel powerplant.
The 1985 Deville was still available in sedan or coupe form. The d'Elegance package - an optional interior dress-up package featuring button-tufted seating and extra niceties - was no longer available on Deville, but now only offered solely on the Fleetwood sedan.
The mildly-restyled 1985 Lincoln Town Car (introduced in then-current form in 1980) was soon out-selling Deville, despite Cadillac's front-wheel drive, newer technology, and contemporary design.
For 1986, few changes marked the new Deville's second year in production. An anti-lock braking system, developed by Teves, became available. A factory-installed cellular telephone joined the option list at an astonishing $2,850. The optional aluminum wheels had new flush-fitting center caps (last year's design featured exposed capped lugs), and the narrow lower body side molding was replaced with a considerably wider one - borrowed from the Fleetwood line. Coupe de Ville's popular cabriolet option, featuring a padded vinyl covering over the rear half of the roof, was priced at $698. Pricing for the Coupe de Ville was $19,669, with Sedan de Ville at $19,990.
Introduced in 1986, Cadillac's Touring Sedan and Touring Coupe were based on the standard Deville but included extras such as a subtle rear deck lid spoiler, body-color tail lamp bezels, front air dam with fog lamps, rear seat headrests, leather upholstery, and a performance enhancement package among other features. The package was avilable for $2,880. In addition, the Touring Coupe had removable decorative louvers on the rear edge of the side opera windows.
In an attempt to win back customers, 1987 saw a new front-end design with one-piece composite headlamps flanking a new trapezoid-shaped grille. New elongated fender caps were in back - upping the overall length by an inch and a half, but much more dramatic in appearance with new wrap-around tail lamps. This new 3-sided tail lamp style was inspired by a design used on the 1977 Deville. Unlike the new one-piece headlamps, the changes to the rear-end in 1987 had little to do with engineering, but rather, feedback from Cadillac's customer base who felt the 1985 car looked too short. Although the '87 revamp was still quite similar to the 1986 model (so much in fact that it still used the previous year's deck lid), the design was more in-tune with the look that traditional Cadillac buyers were used to.
Pricing for 1987 included Coupe de Ville at $21,316, and Sedan de Ville at $21,659. Fleetwood d'Elegance at $26,104, and the new Fleetwood Sixty-Special was available for $34,850. The Touring option, priced at $2,880 over Deville's base cost, also included aluminum wheels mounted on 15" Goodyear Eagle GT tires. At the end of the '87 model year, Cadillac discontinued the slow-selling Deville-based Touring Coupe and Sedan, although the 4-door would return in 1992.
In 1988, Lincoln's Town Car sold about 212,000 units (in just one 4-door body style), versus Cadillac's sales of 152,513 (with five different full-size models - Coupe de Ville, Sedan de Ville, Fleetwood d'Elegance, Fleetwood Sixty Special, and Brougham). Cadillac's decision to enlarge Deville/Fleetwood for '89 (to be closer in dimension to Town Car) meant that cosmetic changes would be kept to a minimum for 1988. To mitigate the nearly $2,000 price jump this year, several previously-optional items were made standard equipment this year, including tilt steering column, telescopic steering wheel, power trunk release, split-bench front seating, cruise control, and variable delay windshield wipers. Under the hood was a new 155 hp 4.5 L V8 and heavy-duty battery. Pricing rose to $23,049 for Coupe de Ville, and $23,404 for Sedan de Ville.
Cadillac's main competition in this time frame continued to be Lincoln, which, alongside their successful Town Car, was now fielding an all-new front wheel drive Continental (based on the Ford Taurus). Lincoln was not able to configure its aging 5.0 liter V-8 to a front-wheel drive vehicle, so the '88 Continental went into production with a six cylinger engine. With gasoline prices remaining low - and buyers not necessarily concerned with economy as much as they were with power - Cadillac Deville, with its eight-cylinder engine, had an edge over the V-6 Continental.
[edit] 1989 - 1993
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| Production | 1989–1993 (1991 model shown above) |
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| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | C-body |
| Engine(s) | 4.5 L V8 4.9 L L26 V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 113.7 in (2888 mm) |
| Length | 1989-1991: 205.6 in (5222 mm) 1992-93: 206.3 in (5240 mm) |
| Width | 1989-1991: 72.5 in (1842 mm) 1992-93: 73.4 in (1864 mm) |
| Height | 1989-1991: 55.0 in (1397 mm) 1992-93: 55.1 in (1400 mm) |
| Fuel capacity | 18 US gallons (68.1 L; 15.0 imp gal) |
1989 introduced an extensive exterior redesign which included a longer 113.7" wheelbase for sedans. The 155 hp (116 kW) 4.5 liter powerplant (introduced just a year earlier), dashboard, and the front doors (on both the coupe and sedan) were about the only items that carried over - even the luggage compartment was over 2 cubic feet (0.057 m3) larger than last year. The Coupe de Ville and Fleetwood coupe retained the previous year's interior, wheelbase, and doors - all cleverly hidden between the new front and rear styling. A give-away to the previous design is the rear shelf package on the 2-door models. While the parcel shelf on the four-door models received a 'Mercedes-Benz inspired' storage compartment with lid, rear seat headrest panel, and a long 3-bulb horizontal brake lamp, the 2-door models still had the narrow carpeted parcel shelf and pedestal brake lamp from the previous year. Of special note were the composite (plastic) front fenders that resisted parking-lot dings and dents, and weighed less than their steel counterparts. Previously optional equipment that was made standard for '89 included electrically-powered outside mirrors and the AM/FM/cassette player stereo. New options introduced this year included the electrochromic inside rear-view mirror, a driver's side airbag, the Bose compact disc player, an electrically-heated windshield, and a set of four reversible carpeted floor mats.
For 1990, Deville and Fleetwood lost their telescopic steering column, but retained the tilt feature - in exchange for an airbag mounted onto the newly standard leather-trimmed steering wheel. Engine output was up an additional 25 horsepower (19 kW), thanks to sequential-port fuel injection. 1990 models also received GM's PASS Key theft-deterrent system which used a coded electronic pellet embedded into the ignition key. Other new features for 1990 included a non-illuminated vanity mirror on the driver's visor (a passenger side visor mirror had been standard equipment for decades now), door edge guards (previously optonal), "clam shell" front center armrest with storage, and manual seatback recliners for driver and passenger. While Lincoln's Continental did not fare well against Deville, a new sales threat - aimed directly at Cadillac - came from the 1990 debut of Toyota's Lexus LS400 and the Infiniti Q45 from Nissan. Additionally, Acura - Honda's high-end label - had been gaining momentum in the luxury market since its 1986 introduction.
In 1991, a 200 hp (150 kW) 4.9 liter V8 - the largest of this type - became the new standard powerplant. Also new was a grille of an inverted trapezoid design (almost upside-down from last years egg-crate keystone design), and revised bumper and body-side moldings. The new grille held the familiar shape of the Cadillac crest itself - a styling cue that continues on to this day. The grille was now attached to the forward edge of the hood, and lifted up along with the hood when raised (similar to Mercedes-Benz). The secondary hood release latch was at the bottom of the grille instead of its previous location above the passenger side headlight. In addition to the new engine and minor front-end restyling, several previously-optional features became standard this year, including the anti-lock braking system, accent striping, automatic door locks, twilight sentinel headlamp control, electrochromic inside rear-view mirror, and electric rear window and side mirror defogger. New standard features included rear-seat air conditioning vents, central door unlocking from the driver's door and luggage compartment, sun visors with shaded slide-out extensions, rear window lock-out switch, brake / transmission interlock safety switch, and an oil life indicator through the fuel data center. Other new features included the available remote keyless entry system, and the optional illuminated mirrors now featured a slide switch that offered variable intensity lighting.
For 1992, the Touring Sedan returned after a several year absence. Still based on the Sedan de Ville, this full-size sport sedan featured fold-in flag style side mirrors, body-color exterior door handles, body-color wheel-well reveal moldings, larger tires on 16" wheels, and fast-ratio power steering. Inside, it was equipped much like the Fleetwood models, with eight-way driver and passenger power reclining seats, standard digital instrumentation, and genuine walnut trim, but Touring Sedan held its own distinctive leather seating in one color, "Beechwood" (a chamois-shade of beige), and individual headrests for the outboard rear seat passengers. The distinctive steering wheel design with molded hand grips was borrowed from the Cadillac Allante. Outside, Touring Sedan had an exclusive hand-cast cloisonne deck lid emblem in back, and up front: a grill-mounted wreath and crest instead of the usual Deville stand-up hood ornament. The black-out trim on the front grille was used for Touring Sedan only in 1992, but was adopted for all Deville models in 1993. On Touring Sedan, like other DeVille models, the "Symphony Sound" stereo with cassette was standard, while the optional Delco/Bose music system was available with cassette or single-slot CD player. Introduced for 1992, speed-sensitive suspension and traction control (both standard on Touring Sedan) were available at extra cost on Deville.
1993 saw few changes, as a brand-new replacement was coming for 1994. The previously-optional speed-sensitive suspension introduced last year became standard equipment, and now included a new speed-sensitive steering system as well. Minor trim changes were made including black-out trim in the grille (used on the 1992 Touring Sedan), and removing the chrome strip from the glass divider on the sedan's rear doors. 1993 would be the last year for the Coupe de Ville, which now came standard with the previously-optional 'Cabriolet' roof option (which covered the rear half of the roof in padded vinyl). Introduced for the 1949 model year, Coupe de Ville's full-size 2-door body style had been declining in sales for several years, and as a result, the 1994 design went into production solely as a 4-door.
[edit] 1994 - 1999
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| Production | 1994–1999 |
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| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | K-body |
| Engine(s) | 4.9 L HT-4900 V8 4.6 L Northstar V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4T60 automatic 4-speed 4T80 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 113.8 in (2891 mm) |
| Length | 1994-96: 209.7 in (5326 mm) 1997-99: 209.8 in (5329 mm) |
| Width | 76.5 in (1943 mm) |
| Height | 1994-96: 56.4 in (1433 mm) 1997-99: 56.0 in (1422 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3959 lb (1796 kg) |
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" - rather than the 111" used on the Seville. Production moved to Hamtramck, Michigan.
The DeVille Concours was available with the new 270 hp (201 kW) LD8 Northstar V8, while lesser models retained the HT-4900 until 1996. That year, the base model took on the lower-output Northstar while the Concours moved up to the high-output L37 Northstar, with 300 hp (220 kW). The DeVille Concours replaced the 1993-only Cadillac Sixty Special.
The DeVille received a minor redesign for the 1997 model year, while it got the d'Elegance trim line to replace the Cadillac Fleetwood. New headlights and a new grille were added, the rear wheel skirts were removed, and the black/chrome trim was replaced by a double chrome trim in the base Deville, chrome and gold trim in the d'Elegance and chrome and body colored trim in the Concours. The name was shortened from Sedan deVille to DeVille. The interior gained a new dashboard design that hid the passenger airbag seams and new door panels with front side-airbags and the availability of OnStar system.
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 1994–1995 | 4.9 L HT-4900 V8 | 200 hp (149 kW) at 4100 rpm | 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 3000 rpm |
| 1996–1999 | 4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 | 275-300 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm | 300 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm | |
| Concours | 1994 | 4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 | 270 hp (201 kW) | 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) |
| 1995 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm | 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm | ||
| 1996–1999 | 4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 | 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm | 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
[edit] 2000 - 2005
 |
|
| Production | 2000–2005 |
|---|---|
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan 4-door convertible |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Platform | K-body |
| Engine(s) | 4.6 L Northstar V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed 4T80 automatic |
| Wheelbase | 115.3 in (2929 mm) |
| Length | 207.2 in (5263 mm) |
| Width | 74.5 in (1892 mm) |
| Height | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
| Curb weight | 3,800 lb (1,700 kg)+ |
The 2000 model year saw the first major redesign since 1994 and the introduction of the last generation of the Deville. The exterior was completely redesigned featuring a sportier, elegant and more aerodynamic design. The revamped interior featured completely new door panels and seats, while the dashboard and radio face only received minor facelifts. 2000 DeVilles also featured the first production LED tail lamps in automobiles, a feature now becoming increasingly commonplace on luxury and family cars. The d'Elegance designation was replaced with the Deville DHS (Deville High Luxury), which added several cabin comfort options to include power rear window sunshade and heated/massaging rear seats. The performance enthusiast's Deville, the Deville Concours was renamed the Deville DTS (Deville Touring Sedan) and was available with stability control, active suspension, onboard navigation and magnetic variable assist steering.Coefficient of drag:0.30.
This final version of the DeVille lasted through the redesign of 2000 and ended production in 2005. It was replaced by the restyled and renamed DTS (stands for DeVille Touring Sedan) for 2006. This model was the first vehicle to use all LED tail lamps and night vision.[3]
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base / DHS | 2000 | 4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm | 300 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 4750 rpm |
| 2002–2005 | 275 hp (205 kW) at 5600 rpm | 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m) at 4000 rpm | ||
| DTS | 2000–2004 | 4.6 L L37 Northstar V8 | 300 hp (224 kW) at 6000 rpm | 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
| 2005 | 290 hp (216 kW) at 5600 rpm | 285 ft·lbf (386 N·m) at 4400 rpm |
[edit] 2006
The eleventh-generation DeVille was instead released as the Cadillac DTS, an acronym dating back to 1985, when a "DeVille Touring Sedan" package was available. The new name brought the DeVille into line with Cadillac's Art & Science-era nomenclature, which saw the Seville renamed to STS and the Catera replacement renamed to CTS. The last 2005 DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005.
[edit] References
- ^ About Lincoln: The Roaring '20s
- ^ "1954 Cadillac". Motorera.com. November 2007. http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/cad1950/CAD54S.HTM. Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
- ^ "What are LED taillights?". Ask.cars.com. 2008-09-16. http://ask.cars.com/2008/09/what-are-led-ta.html. Retrieved on 2009-05-07.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- AutoGuideWiki.com
- Caddyinfo.com - Cadillac Discussion and Technical Information
- Cadillac History - Cadillac History and detailed model information
- 1978-1979 Phaeton - 1978-1979 Cadillac Coupe Deville Phaeton
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