Cadillac de Ville series

"DeVille" and "De Ville" redirect here. For other uses, see Deville.

See also Cadillac Coupe de Ville.

Cadillac DeVille
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	1949–2005
Assembly	Hamtramck, Michigan
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Chronology
Predecessor	Cadillac Series 62
Successor	Cadillac DTS

First generation
Overview
Production	1949–1954
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan (1954 only)

Second generation
1958 Cadillac Coupe DeVille
Overview
Production	1955–1958
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan

Third generation
Overview
Production	1959–1964
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 4-door sedan

Fourth generation
1965 DeVille convertible
Overview
Production	1965–1968
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 4-door sedan

Fifth generation
Overview
Production	1969–1970
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door convertible 4-door sedan

Sixth generation
Overview
Production	1971–1973
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan

Seventh generation
Overview
Production	1974–1976
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout

Eighth generation
Overview
Production	1977–1984
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Dimensions
Wheelbase	121.5 in (3086 mm)
Length	221.2 in (5618 mm)
Width	74.6 in (1895 mm)
Height	54.4 in (1382 mm) (Coupe) 55.3 in (1405 mm) (Sedan)
Curb weight	4168 lb (1900 kg) (Coupe) 4222 lb (1917 kg) (Sedan)

Ninth generation
Overview
Production	1985–1988
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM C platform
Powertrain
Engine	4.5 L 155 hp V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.8 in
Length	196.4 in
Width	72.5 in
Height	55.0 in

Tenth generation
Overview
Production	1989–1993
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Platform	GM C platform
Powertrain
Engine	4.9 L 200 hp HT-4900 V8
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.7 in
Length	206.3 in
Width	73.4 in
Height	55.1 in

The DeVille (also De Ville and de Ville) name has been used on many of Cadillac's luxury car models. After the Fleetwood was dropped from the Cadillac lineup the DeVille became the largest Cadillac sedan. The DeVille name was replaced by DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) for the 2006 model year.

History

The name "DeVille" ("of the city" or "town" in French) derives its name from its body styling, which featured an open chauffeur's compartment and enclosed passenger compartment. This configuration elevated the vehicle from mere transportation to a bona fide status symbol. "Town Car" was first used by Lincoln in 1922 to describe a one-off vehicle built for Henry Ford. (see http://www.lincoln.com/about/ ) The first Cadillac to bear the name was the 1949 Coupe De Ville, with a 4-door hardtop version appearing in 1956. Both cars were based on the Series 62. Beginning in 1965, DeVille denoted Cadillac's mainstream model, falling between the Calais and the Fleetwood.

• 
  Cadillac De Ville 6239 Convertible 1957
• 
  Cadillac De Ville 1958
• 
  Cadillac De Ville Convertible 1958

1959

• 
  1959 finlights
• 
  Sedan deVille 6-window coupe
• 
  Cadillac Sedan deVille 1959

• 
  Lighting up time, 59-style

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).

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 (excluding stops) and averaging 8.9 miles per gallon.

1977 - 1984

In 1977, the first generation of downsized Cadillacs included mechanically similar DeVilles and Fleetwoods, with the latter still occupying the top of the lineup. The models primarily differed in minor trim, interior upholstery & equipment levels. These were the first DeVille models to be marketed without fender skirts over the rear wheels.

The big 500 in³ V8 was gone, replaced by a 425 in³ engine. This engine was replaced by the 368 in³ V8-6-4 for 1980, and the 350 in³ LF9 diesel V8 was now an option. Reliability problems with the V8-6-4 engine's computer controls prompted Cadillac to rush their new aluminum-block HT series engine into production for 1982.

1985 - 1993

In 1985, the second generation of downsized DeVilles and Fleetwoods (other than the Brougham) would see a switch to front wheel drive. This drastic downsizing did not prove popular with consumers and soon Lincoln was outselling Cadillac. The 4.1 L HT-4100 was the only available engine. It was expanded to 4.5 L for 1988. A 4.9 L version, the largest of this type, was introduced in 1991.

From 1986 through 1992, Fleetwood was an option package on the DeVille. The Coupe de Ville was dropped after this generation.

1987 - 1988 New wrap-around tail lamps and rear fender extension give the appearance of a longer vehicle, but not long enough to satisfy traditional Cadillac buyers. Also new for '87 are one piece aerodynamic headlamps and a revamped trapezoid-shaped grille.

1989 - 1993 Updated body panels front and rear, and a new 113" wheelbase (on sedans) featuring longer rear doors highlight a successful redesign for Deville and Fleetwood.

1994 - 1999

Eleventh generation
Overview
Production	1994–1999
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM K platform
Powertrain
Engine	4.9 L HT-4900 V8 4.6 L Northstar V8
Transmission	4-speed 4T60 automatic 4-speed 4T80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	113.8 in (2891 mm)
Length	209.7 in (5326 mm)
Width	76.6 in (1946 mm)
Height	56.3 in (1430 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 and the wheelbase grew to 113.8 in rather than the 111 in 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. 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.

• 
  1999 Cadillac Deville front view
• 
  1999 Cadillac Deville side view
• 
  1999 Cadillac Deville rear view. The last year the Deville would have tail fins.

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque
Base	1994–1995	4.9 L HT-4900 V8	200 hp (149 kW)
	1996–1999	4.6 L LD8 Northstar V8	275 hp (205 kW) at 5750 rpm	275 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

2000 - 2005

Twelfth generation
Overview
Production	2000–2005
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM K platform
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 L Northstar V8
Transmission	4-speed 4T80 automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	115.3 in
Length	207.2 in
Width	74.5 in
Height	56.7 in
Curb weight	3800lbs+

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 Concourse was renamed the Deville DTS (Deville Touring Sedan)and was available with stability control, active suspension, onboard navigation and magnetic variable assist steering.

The sedan version lasted through one more redesign in 2000 before being replaced by the DTS (stands for DeVille Touring Sedan) for 2006.

Model	Year	Engine	Power	Torque
Base / DHS	2000–2001	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

2006

See Cadillac DTS

For the 2006 model year the Cadillac DeVille nameplate, but not the car itself, was replaced by the Cadillac DTS. This is in fact an abbreviation of "DeVille Touring Sedan", a name that dates back to 1985 when it was used for the optional touring package that eventually became its own model. This follows the same naming pattern as the CTS, STS. The last DeVille rolled off the Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly line on June 23, 2005.

Technology

As GM's top of the line sedan, DeVilles feature class leading automotive technology. In 1985, the digital speedometer was available on the DeVille. Even though the 3rd taillight became mandatory in 1986, it was standard on the 1985 model. The DeVille was one of the first cars to feature airbags, night-vision technology, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar roadside assistance, etc.

The DeVille's Raytheon night vision system was particularly notable. It was the first thermal imaging night vision system offered as original equipment by an auto manufacturer. It was introduced in the 2000 model and sold well with over 7,000 buyers. Sales fell quickly, however, and only 600 systems were sold for 2004. It was dropped in September of that year with just 145 units installed in 2005 vehicles before its demise.

DeVilles are also a popular conversion chassis, most commonly as limousines and hearses, however the Lincoln Town Car is more commonly used as a limousine chassis due to its rear wheel drive and body on frame architecture, which provides a more rigid chassis for a long car. Additionally, a conventional rear wheel drive car is cheaper to maintain in fleets.

See also

• Cadillac Coupe de Ville

External links

• AutoGuideWiki.com
• Caddyinfo.com - Cadillac Discussion and Technical Information
• Cadillac History - Cadillac History and detailed model information